Smart Ring Device, Method, and Computer-Readable Storage Medium for Identifying Wearing Direction

This application is a continuation application, claiming priority under 35 U.S.C. § 365(c), of an International application No. PCT/KR2024/011835, filed on Aug. 8, 2024, which is based on and claims the benefit of a Korean patent application number 10-2023-0131265, filed on Sep. 27, 2023, in the Ministry of Intellectual Property (MOIP), and of a Korean patent application number 10-2023-0152634, filed on Nov. 7, 2023, in the Ministry of Intellectual Property (MOIP), the disclosure of each of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

The disclosure relates to a smart ring device, a method, and a computer readable storage medium for identifying a wearing direction.

Various services are provided through a wearable device. The wearable device may be worn on a part of a user's body and may operate. The wearable device may identify biometric information of the user in a state of being worn on a part of the user's body and provide a service based on the biometric information of the user. The wearable device wearable on the user's finger may be referred to as a smart ring device.

The above information is presented as a background information only to assist with an understanding of the disclosure. No determination has been made, and no assertion is made, as to whether any of the above might be applicable as prior art with regard to the disclosure.

Aspects of the disclosure are to address at least the above-mentioned problems and/or disadvantages and to provide at least the advantages described below. Accordingly, an aspect of the disclosure is to provide a smart ring device, a method, and a computer readable storage medium for identifying a wearing direction.

Additional aspects will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the presented embodiments.

In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, a smart ring device is provided. The smart ring device includes a housing including an external housing portion and an inner housing portion which is at least partially transparent, a light emitter configured to emit light through the inner housing portion, a first light receiver configured to receive the light reflected from at least a part of a user's finger, a second light receiver configured to receive the light reflected from the at least a part of the user's finger, memory, including one or more storage media, storing instructions, and at least one processor including processing circuitry communicatively coupled to the memory, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor individually or collectively, cause the smart ring device to determine a wearing direction of the smart ring device using a first signal identified by the first light receiver and a second signal identified by the second light receiver.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a method performed by a smart ring device is provided. The method includes emitting, using a light emitter included in the smart ring device, light, determining a wearing direction of the smart ring device using a first signal identified by a first light receiver comprised in the smart ring device based on the light reflected from at least a part of a user's finger and a second signal identified by a second light receiver comprised in the smart ring device based on the light reflected from the at least a part of the user's finger.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, one or more non-transitory computer readable storage media storing one or more computer programs including computer-executable instructions, which, when executed by a processor of a smart ring device with a light emitter, a first light receiver, and a second light receiver, cause the smart ring device to emit, using the light emitter, light. The one or more programs include instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor of a smart ring device with a light emitter, a first light receiver, and a second light receiver individually or collectively, cause the smart ring device to perform operations are provided. The operations include emitting, using the light emitter, light, and determining a wearing direction of the smart ring device using a first signal identified by the first light receiver based on the light reflected from at least a part of a user's finger and a second signal identified by the second light receiver based on the light reflected from the at least a part of the user's finger.

Other aspects, advantages, and salient features of the disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses various embodiments of the disclosure.

Throughout the drawings, it should be noted that like reference numbers are used to depict the same or similar elements, features, and structures.

The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of various embodiments of the disclosure as defined by the claims and their equivalents. It includes various specific details to assist in that understanding but these are to be regarded as merely exemplary. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the various embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions may be omitted for clarity and conciseness.

The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings, but, are merely used by the inventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the disclosure. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of various embodiments of the disclosure is provided for illustration purpose only and not for the purpose of limiting the disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

It is to be understood that the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a component surface” includes reference to one or more of such surfaces.

It should be appreciated that the blocks in each flowchart and combinations of the flowcharts may be performed by one or more computer programs which include computer-executable instructions. The entirety of the one or more computer programs may be stored in a single memory device or the one or more computer programs may be divided with different portions stored in different multiple memory devices.

Any of the functions or operations described herein can be processed by one processor or a combination of processors. The one processor or the combination of processors is circuitry performing processing and includes circuitry like an application processor (AP, e.g., a central processing unit (CPU)), a communication processor (CP, e.g., a modem), a graphical processing unit (GPU), a neural processing unit (NPU) (e.g., an artificial intelligence (AI) chip), a wireless-fidelity (Wi-Fi) chip, a Bluetooth™ chip, a global positioning system (GPS) chip, a near field communication (NFC) chip, connectivity chips, a sensor controller, a touch controller, a finger-print sensor controller, a display drive integrated circuit (IC), an audio CODEC chip, a universal serial bus (USB) controller, a camera controller, an image processing IC, a microprocessor unit (MPU), a system on chip (SoC), an IC, or the like.

1 FIG. is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device in a network environment according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

1 FIG. 101 100 102 198 104 108 199 101 104 108 101 120 130 150 155 160 170 176 177 178 179 180 188 189 190 196 197 178 101 101 176 180 197 160 Referring to, an electronic devicein a network environmentmay communicate with an external electronic devicevia a first network(e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or at least one of an external electronic deviceor a servervia a second network(e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the electronic devicemay communicate with the external electronic devicevia the server. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the electronic devicemay include a processor, memory, an input module, a sound output module, a display module, an audio module, a sensor module, an interface, a connecting terminal, a haptic module, a camera module, a power management module, a battery, a communication module, a subscriber identification module (SIM), or an antenna module. In some embodiments of the disclosure, at least one of the components (e.g., the connecting terminal) may be omitted from the electronic device, or one or more other components may be added in the electronic device. In some embodiments of the disclosure, some of the components (e.g., the sensor module, the camera module, or the antenna module) may be implemented as a single component (e.g., the display module).

120 140 101 120 120 176 190 132 132 134 120 121 123 121 101 121 123 123 121 123 121 The processormay execute, for example, software (e.g., a program) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic devicecoupled with the processor, and may perform various data processing or computation. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, as at least part of the data processing or computation, the processormay store a command or data received from another component (e.g., the sensor moduleor the communication module) in volatile memory, process the command or the data stored in the volatile memory, and store resulting data in non-volatile memory. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the processormay include a main processor(e.g., a central processing unit (CPU) or an application processor (AP)), or an auxiliary processor(e.g., a graphics processing unit (GPU), a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor (ISP), a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor (CP)) that is operable independently from, or in conjunction with, the main processor. For example, when the electronic deviceincludes the main processorand the auxiliary processor, the auxiliary processormay be adapted to consume less power than the main processor, or to be specific to a specified function. The auxiliary processormay be implemented as separate from, or as part of the main processor.

123 160 176 190 101 121 121 121 121 123 180 190 123 123 101 108 The auxiliary processormay control at least some of functions or states related to at least one component (e.g., the display module, the sensor module, or the communication module) among the components of the electronic device, instead of the main processorwhile the main processoris in an inactive (e.g., a sleep) state, or together with the main processorwhile the main processoris in an active state (e.g., executing an application). According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the auxiliary processor(e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as part of another component (e.g., the camera moduleor the communication module) functionally related to the auxiliary processor. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the auxiliary processor(e.g., the neural processing unit) may include a hardware structure specified for artificial intelligence model processing. An artificial intelligence model may be generated by machine learning. Such learning may be performed, e.g., by the electronic devicewhere the artificial intelligence is performed or via a separate server (e.g., the server). Learning algorithms may include, but are not limited to, e.g., supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning. The artificial intelligence model may include a plurality of artificial neural network layers. The artificial neural network may be a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), deep Q-network or a combination of two or more thereof but is not limited thereto. The artificial intelligence model may, additionally or alternatively, include a software structure other than the hardware structure.

130 120 176 101 140 130 132 134 The memorymay store various data used by at least one component (e.g., the processoror the sensor module) of the electronic device. The various data may include, for example, software (e.g., the program) and input data or output data for a command related thereto. The memorymay include the volatile memoryor the non-volatile memory.

140 130 142 144 146 The programmay be stored in the memoryas software, and may include, for example, an operating system (OS), middleware, or an application.

150 120 101 101 150 The input modulemay receive a command or data to be used by another component (e.g., the processor) of the electronic device, from the outside (e.g., a user) of the electronic device. The input modulemay include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, a key (e.g., a button), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

155 101 155 The sound output modulemay output sound signals to the outside of the electronic device. The sound output modulemay include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker may be used for general purposes, such as playing multimedia or playing record. The receiver may be used for receiving incoming calls. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the receiver may be implemented as separate from, or as part of the speaker.

160 101 160 160 The display modulemay visually provide information to the outside (e.g., a user) of the electronic device. The display modulemay include, for example, a display, a hologram device, or a projector and control circuitry to control a corresponding one of the display, hologram device, and projector. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the display modulemay include a touch sensor adapted to detect a touch, or a pressure sensor adapted to measure the intensity of force incurred by the touch.

170 170 150 155 102 101 The audio modulemay convert a sound into an electrical signal and vice versa. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the audio modulemay obtain the sound via the input module, or output the sound via the sound output moduleor a headphone of an external electronic device (e.g., the external electronic device) directly (e.g., wiredly) or wirelessly coupled with the electronic device.

176 101 101 176 The sensor modulemay detect an operational state (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic deviceor an environmental state (e.g., a state of a user) external to the electronic device, and then generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the sensor modulemay include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

177 101 102 177 The interfacemay support one or more specified protocols to be used for the electronic deviceto be coupled with the external electronic device (e.g., the external electronic device) directly (e.g., wiredly) or wirelessly. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the interfacemay include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, a secure digital (SD) card interface, or an audio interface.

178 101 102 178 A connecting terminalmay include a connector via which the electronic devicemay be physically connected with the external electronic device (e.g., the external electronic device). According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the connecting terminalmay include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

179 179 The haptic modulemay convert an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus (e.g., a vibration or a movement) or electrical stimulus which may be recognized by a user via his tactile sensation or kinesthetic sensation. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the haptic modulemay include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electric stimulator.

180 180 The camera modulemay capture a still image or moving images. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the camera modulemay include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

188 101 188 The power management modulemay manage power supplied to the electronic device. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the power management modulemay be implemented as at least part of, for example, a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

189 101 189 The batterymay supply power to at least one component of the electronic device. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the batterymay include, for example, a primary cell which is not rechargeable, a secondary cell which is rechargeable, or a fuel cell.

190 101 102 104 108 190 120 190 192 194 198 199 192 101 198 199 196 The communication modulemay support establishing a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic deviceand the external electronic device (e.g., the external electronic device, the external electronic device, or the server) and performing communication via the established communication channel. The communication modulemay include one or more communication processors that are operable independently from the processor(e.g., the application processor (AP)) and supports a direct (e.g., wired) communication or a wireless communication. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the communication modulemay include a wireless communication module(e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module(e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module or a power line communication (PLC) module). A corresponding one of these communication modules may communicate with the external electronic device via the first network(e.g., a short-range communication network, such as Bluetooth™, wireless-fidelity (Wi-Fi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or the second network(e.g., a long-range communication network, such as a legacy cellular network, a fifth-generation (5G) network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., LAN or wide area network (WAN)). These various types of communication modules may be implemented as a single component (e.g., a single chip), or may be implemented as multi components (e.g., multi chips) separate from each other. The wireless communication modulemay identify and authenticate the electronic devicein a communication network, such as the first networkor the second network, using subscriber information (e.g., international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module.

192 192 192 192 101 104 199 192 The wireless communication modulemay support a 5G network, after a fourth-generation (4G) network, and next-generation communication technology, e.g., new radio (NR) access technology. The NR access technology may support enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), massive machine type communications (mMTC), or ultra-reliable and low-latency communications (URLLC). The wireless communication modulemay support a high-frequency band (e.g., the mmWave band) to achieve, e.g., a high data transmission rate. The wireless communication modulemay support various technologies for securing performance on a high-frequency band, such as, e.g., beamforming, massive multiple-input and multiple-output (massive MIMO), full dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, analog beam-forming, or large scale antenna. The wireless communication modulemay support various requirements specified in the electronic device, an external electronic device (e.g., the external electronic device), or a network system (e.g., the second network). According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the wireless communication modulemay support a peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for implementing eMBB, loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for implementing mMTC, or U-plane latency (e.g., 0.5 ms or less for each of downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), or a round trip of 1 ms or less) for implementing URLLC.

197 101 197 197 198 199 190 192 190 197 The antenna modulemay transmit or receive a signal or power to or from the outside (e.g., the external electronic device) of the electronic device. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the antenna modulemay include an antenna including a radiating element including a conductive material or a conductive pattern formed in or on a substrate (e.g., a printed circuit board (PCB)). According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the antenna modulemay include a plurality of antennas (e.g., array antennas). In such a case, at least one antenna appropriate for a communication scheme used in the communication network, such as the first networkor the second network, may be selected, for example, by the communication module(e.g., the wireless communication module) from the plurality of antennas. The signal or the power may then be transmitted or received between the communication moduleand the external electronic device via the selected at least one antenna. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, another component (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) other than the radiating element may be additionally formed as part of the antenna module.

197 According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the antenna modulemay form a mmWave antenna module. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, an RFIC disposed on a first surface (e.g., the bottom surface) of the printed circuit board, or adjacent to the first surface and capable of supporting a designated high-frequency band (e.g., the mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., array antennas) disposed on a second surface (e.g., the top or a side surface) of the printed circuit board, or adjacent to the second surface and capable of transmitting or receiving signals of the designated high-frequency band.

At least some of the above-described components may be coupled mutually and communicate signals (e.g., commands or data) therebetween via an inter-peripheral communication scheme (e.g., a bus, general purpose input and output (GPIO), serial peripheral interface (SPI), or mobile industry processor interface (MIPI)).

101 104 108 199 102 104 101 101 102 104 108 101 101 101 101 101 104 108 104 108 199 101 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic deviceand the external electronic devicevia the servercoupled with the second network. Each of the external electronic devicesormay be a device of a same type as, or a different type, from the electronic device. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, all or some of operations to be executed at the electronic devicemay be executed at one or more of the external electronic devicesor, or the server. For example, if the electronic deviceshould perform a function or a service automatically, or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device, instead of, or in addition to, executing the function or the service, may request the one or more external electronic devices to perform at least part of the function or the service. The one or more external electronic devices receiving the request may perform the at least part of the function or the service requested, or an additional function or an additional service related to the request, and transfer an outcome of the performing to the electronic device. The electronic devicemay provide the outcome, with or without further processing of the outcome, as at least part of a reply to the request. To that end, a cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology may be used, for example. The electronic devicemay provide ultra low-latency services using, e.g., distributed computing or mobile edge computing. In another embodiment of the disclosure, the external electronic devicemay include an internet-of-things (IoT) device. The servermay be an intelligent server using machine learning and/or a neural network. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the external electronic deviceor the servermay be included in the second network. The electronic devicemay be applied to intelligent services (e.g., a smart home, a smart city, a smart car, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology or IoT-related technology.

101 101 1 FIG. 1 FIG. Hereinafter, a smart ring device wearable on a user's finger will be described. The smart ring device described below may be an example of the electronic deviceof. The smart ring device described below may include at least a part or all of the components of the electronic deviceof.

2 FIG.A illustrates a perspective view of a smart ring device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

2 FIG.A 200 201 211 212 211 201 211 212 211 212 213 214 Referring to, a smart ring devicemay include a housingincluding a first surfacefacing a part (e.g., a finger) of a user's body and a second surfaceopposite the first surface. The housingmay include side surfaces between the first surfaceand the second surface. The side surfaces between the first surfaceand the second surfacemay include a first side surfaceand a second side surface.

200 201 200 201 203 211 204 212 For example, the smart ring devicemay include the ring-shaped housing. As an example, the smart ring devicemay be configured in a ring shape. For example, the housingmay include an inner housing portionto form the first surfaceand an external housing portionto form the second surface.

200 200 200 200 200 200 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the smart ring devicemay be referred to as a wearable device or an electronic device that may be worn by the user. The smart ring devicemay be worn on a part (e.g., a finger) of the user's body. For example, the smart ring devicemay be worn on the part of the user's body. For example, the smart ring devicemay be fastened to a part of the user's body. For example, the smart ring devicemay be detachable from the part of the user's body. For example, the smart ring devicemay have a shape corresponding to the part of the user's body in order to be worn on the part of the user's body.

200 200 200 200 For example, the smart ring devicemay be in contact with a part of the user's body by being worn by the user. For example, the smart ring devicemay be configured to obtain information on the user through the part of the user's body by being worn by the user. As an example, the information on the user may include the user's health information. However, it is not limited thereto. The user's health information may include the user's heart rate and/or oxygen saturation. The smart ring devicemay include a heart rate measurement (HRM) sensor for identifying (or measuring or monitoring) the user's heart rate and/or oxygen saturation. As an example, the information on the user may include the user's behavior information. The smart ring devicemay identify (or measure or monitor) whether the user performs exercise and/or identify the user's posture.

200 200 200 For example, the smart ring devicemay provide the information on the user through the smart ring deviceand/or an external electronic device communicatively connected to the smart ring device. However, it is not limited thereto.

211 200 211 200 211 200 200 211 200 211 200 211 200 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, at least a part of the first surfacemay be in contact with a part of the user's body in a case that the smart ring deviceis worn by the user. For example, the first surfacemay surround the part of the user's body wearing the smart ring device. For example, the first surfacemay cover the part of the user's body wearing the smart ring device. For example, when the smart ring deviceis worn by the user, the first surfacemay be configured such that the smart ring deviceis fastened to the part of the body by pressurizing the part of the user's body. For example, the first surfacemay be deformable by the part of the user's body. For example, the smart ring devicemay provide information on the user through the first surfacebased on a haptic technology. As an example, the smart ring devicemay provide information representing that the user's heart rate is greater than or equal to a specified heart rate by outputting vibration.

212 200 211 212 201 211 212 200 211 201 212 211 201 For example, the second surfacemay form an exterior of the smart ring devicetogether with the first surface. For example, the second surfacemay form the ring-shaped housingtogether with the first surface. For example, the second surfacemay be a surface spaced apart from the part of the user's body in a case that the smart ring deviceis worn by the user. For example, the first surfacemay be referred to as an inner circumference surface of the housing. The second surfaceopposite the first surfacemay be referred to as an outer circumference surface of the housing.

212 200 212 212 212 200 200 For example, the second surfacemay be exposed to the outside in a state in which the smart ring deviceis worn by the user. The second surfacemay be configured with at least one of titanium, stainless steel, and ceramic. The second surfacemay be configured with a material for protecting against an external impact and/or a scratch. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the second surfacemay be coated with an additional material for protecting a color of the smart ring deviceand/or the exterior of the smart ring device.

211 212 211 203 211 For example, the first surfacemay be configured with the same and/or similar material as the second surface. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, at least a part of the first surfacemay be configured with at least one of a molding material, transparent plastic, and/or glass for obtaining data. For example, at least a part of the inner housing portionmay be transparent. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, at least a part of the first surfacemay be configured with metal for identifying a bio-signal.

200 270 211 200 200 270 200 200 270 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the smart ring devicemay further include a hole, which is formed by the first surfaceto pass through a part of the user's body when the smart ring deviceis worn by the user. For example, in a case that the smart ring deviceis worn by the user, the holemay be penetrated by the part of the user's body. The smart ring devicemay be configured to be fastened to the part of the user's body in a case that the user wears the smart ring device, by including the holeconfigured to allow the part of the user's body to pass through.

200 211 212 200 211 212 2 FIG.B According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the smart ring devicemay further include one or more components between the first surfaceand the second surface. For example, the smart ring devicemay include one or more components between the first surfaceand the second surface. A disposition of the one or more components will be described later in.

200 215 204 212 270 200 215 204 215 200 215 215 200 2 FIG.B According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the smart ring devicemay include a structurerotatable on the external housing portion(or the second surface) based on a center of the holeof the smart ring device. The structuremay be rotatable along the external housing portion. According to an operation of rotating the structureby the user, a rotation input may be identified in the smart ring device. Based on the operation in which the user rotates the structure, the rotation input may be identified. The operation in which the user rotates the structuremay be referred to as the rotation input. A specific structure of the smart ring devicefor identifying the rotation input will be described later in.

2 FIG.B illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of a smart ring device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

2 FIG.B 2 FIG.A 2 FIG.A 291 200 292 200 Referring to, an exampleis a partial cross-sectional view of a smart ring deviceviewed in an x-axis direction of. An exampleis a partial cross-sectional view of the smart ring deviceviewed in a y-axis direction of.

291 200 201 200 200 200 200 2 2 FIGS.A andB In the example, the smart ring devicemay be formed in a ring shape. For example, a housingof the smart ring devicemay be formed in a ring shape that may be worn on a user's finger. In, the ring-shaped smart ring devicewith a smooth surface is illustrated as an example, but is not limited thereto. For example, the smart ring devicemay be implemented as a housing including a plurality of planes. For example, the ring-shaped smart ring devicewith an unsmooth surface may also be understood as an embodiment of the disclosure.

201 211 212 211 212 211 212 213 214 210 220 231 232 233 234 240 211 212 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the ring-shaped housingmay include a first surfacein contact with a user's body in a state of being worn by the user, a second surfaceexposed to the outside, and side surfaces between the first surfaceand the second surface. The side surfaces between the first surfaceand the second surfacemay include a first side surfaceand a second side surface. For example, a space for including (or disposing) at least one component (e.g., a processor, communication circuitry, an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, a PPG sensor, a temperature sensor, and/or memory) may be included between the first surfaceand the second surface.

251 211 212 200 210 220 231 232 233 234 240 254 251 251 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a PCBmay be disposed between the first surfaceand the second surfaceof the smart ring device. For example, the processor, the communication circuitry, the acceleration sensor, the gyro sensor, the PPG sensor, the temperature sensor, the memory, and/or a PMICmay be disposed on the PCB. For example, the PCBmay be formed of a rigid region and a flexible region. As an example, the rigid region may be referred to as a rigid flexible printed circuit board (RFPCB). As an example, the flexible region may be referred to as a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB).

233 233 1 233 2 233 3 233 1 233 2 211 233 3 212 292 200 292 233 1 233 2 200 233 1 233 2 233 1 233 2 233 2 233 1 200 For example, the PPG sensormay include one or more light emitting circuits-, one or more light receiving circuits-, and a control circuit-. As an example, the one or more light emitting circuits-and one or more light receiving circuits-may be disposed toward the first surface. As an example, the control circuit-may be disposed toward the second surface. The exampleillustrates a side view of the smart ring device. In the example, the one or more light emitting circuits-and the one or more light receiving circuits-may be disposed in different positions in the smart ring device. For example, the number of the one or more light emitting circuits-and the number of the one or more light receiving circuits-may be configured differently. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the number of the one or more light emitting circuits-and the number of the one or more light receiving circuits-may also be configured to be the same. For example, the one or more light receiving circuits-corresponding to each of the one or more light emitting circuits-may be configured in the smart ring device.

234 200 234 For example, the temperature sensormay be used to measure (or detect or identify) a temperature of a part of the user's body or a temperature of a component of the smart ring device. The temperature sensormay include one of a contact type temperature sensor and a non-contact type temperature sensor.

254 200 254 200 254 253 200 For example, the PMICmay be used to manage power of the smart ring device. The PMICmay be used to provide (or distribute) power to components requiring power in the smart ring device. The PMICmay support, through a charging interface, a wired charging method (e.g., a terminal or a pogo pin) or a wireless charging method (e.g., wireless power consortium (WPC) or NFC) for charging the smart ring device.

252 211 212 200 252 252 252 252 252 252 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a batterymay be disposed between the first surfaceand the second surfaceof the smart ring device. The batterymay be configured with at least one battery (or battery pack). For example, the batterymay be configured such that the at least one battery is connected in series and/or in parallel. For example, the batterymay be configured with a flexible battery pack. For example, the battery, which is a secondary battery, may be charged and/or discharged. For example, a material configuring the batterymay be variously configured. As an example, the material configuring the batterymay include at least one of lithium ion and mercury.

255 211 212 200 255 255 201 200 255 220 251 255 200 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, an antennamay be disposed between the first surfaceand the second surfaceof the smart ring device. For example, the antennamay configured with a single antenna and/or a plurality of segment antennas. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the antennamay be configured as a part of the housingof the smart ring device. For example, the antennamay be electrically connected to the communication circuitrythrough the PCB. For example, the antennamay include a first antenna configured to emit a signal based on a first direction and a second antenna configured to emit a signal based on a second direction opposite the first direction. At least one of the first antenna and the second antenna may be activated according to a wearing direction of the smart ring device.

2 FIG.B 2 FIG.C 200 200 200 215 200 201 illustrates components included inside the smart ring device, but it is not limited thereto. Although not illustrated, the smart ring devicemay further include various components in addition to the illustrated components. For example, the smart ring devicemay further include a rotation detection sensor for identifying a rotation input according to rotation of a structure. The rotation detection sensor will be described later in. For example, the smart ring devicemay include a display. The display may be disposed on an outer surface of the housing.

210 220 233 240 200 3 FIG. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a specific description of at least one component (e.g., the processor, the communication circuitry, the PPG sensor, and/or the memory) for identifying the wearing direction of the smart ring devicewill be described later in.

2 FIG.C illustrates a rotatable structure of a smart ring device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

2 FIG.C 200 215 204 212 201 215 204 201 215 Referring to, a smart ring devicemay include a structurerotatable on an external housing portion(or a second surface) of a housing. The structuremay be configured to be rotatable along the external housing portion. For example, the housingmay be referred to as an inner ring. The structuremay be referred to as an outer ring.

215 215 280 280 211 212 215 280 215 280 215 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a rotation input may be identified according to rotation of the structure. In order to identify the rotation of the structure, one or more rotation detection sensorsmay be included. The one or more rotation detection sensorsmay be disposed between a first surfaceand the second surface. For example, the structuremay be configured with a material having magnetism (or a magnetic material). Based on a change in a magnetic field identified by the one or more rotation detection sensorsdue to rotation of the structure, the rotation input may be identified. The one or more rotation detection sensorsmay identify rotation speed and a rotation direction of the structure.

280 280 1 280 5 280 1 280 5 200 280 280 2 FIG.C For example, the one or more rotation detection sensorsmay include rotation detection sensors-to-. The rotation detection sensor-to the rotation detection sensor-may be disposed in the smart ring deviceat the same or similar interval. However, it is not limited thereto.illustrates an example in which the number of the one or more rotation detection sensorsis configured to be five, but is not limited thereto. The number of the one or more rotation detection sensorsmay be variously configured.

295 295 215 201 200 215 201 215 215 201 200 215 215 An examplerepresents a cross-sectional view of A-A′. In the example, the structuremay be rotated in a gap of the housingof the smart ring device. The structuremay be at least partially spaced apart from the housing. Although not illustrated, the structuremay further include a connecting member rotatably connecting the structurein the gap of the housing. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the smart ring devicemay further include a guide member for guiding the rotation of the structure. The guide member may be configured such that the structurerotates discontinuously. For example, the guide member may include a crown gear.

200 215 200 215 215 280 1 280 2 200 215 215 280 1 280 5 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the smart ring devicemay identify (or determine) a moving direction of the structure. For example, the smart ring devicemay identify that the structuremoves in a first direction (e.g., clockwise) based on a part of the structuremoving from the rotation detection sensor-to the rotation detection sensor-. For example, the smart ring devicemay identify that the structuremoves in a second direction (e.g., counterclockwise) based on a part of the structuremoving from the rotation detection sensor-to the rotation detection sensor-.

200 200 200 215 200 204 200 200 200 Components of the smart ring deviceor a structure (e.g., an external structure or an internal structure) of the smart ring devicemay be variously changed according to an embodiment. For example, the smart ring devicemay not include the structure. The smart ring devicemay further include a touch sensor for identifying contact of a user's body on the external housing portion. The smart ring devicemay identify a touch input using the touch sensor. The smart ring devicemay identify a direction of the touch input. The smart ring devicemay identify, based on the touch input, a rotation direction and/or a rotation amount of the rotation input.

200 200 200 215 200 200 200 200 200 200 200 200 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the smart ring devicemay not only be used to obtain information on the user, but may also be used to control an external electronic device connected to the smart ring device. The smart ring devicemay identify the rotation input based on the rotation of the rotatable structureincluded in the smart ring device. The smart ring devicemay control the external electronic device based on the rotation input. However, as the smart ring deviceis configured in a ring shape, a wearing direction may be changed. A direction of the rotation input may be changed according to the wearing direction of the smart ring device. In a case that the user of the smart ring deviceperforms the rotation input in a state of wearing the smart ring device, the smart ring devicemay identify the rotation input as different inputs according to the wearing direction. Therefore, a technical feature for identifying the wearing direction of the smart ring devicewill be described below.

3 FIG. is a simplified block diagram of a smart ring device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

3 FIG. 1 FIG. 1 FIG. 200 210 220 230 240 200 210 220 230 240 210 220 230 240 200 101 200 101 Referring to, a smart ring devicemay include a processor, communication circuitry, a sensor, and/or memory. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the smart ring devicemay include at least one of the processor, communication circuitry, the sensor, and/or the memory. For example, at least a part of the processor, the communication circuitry, the sensor, and/or the memorymay be omitted according to an embodiment. For example, the smart ring devicemay correspond to the electronic deviceof. For example, the smart ring devicemay include at least a part of the components of the electronic deviceof.

210 120 210 220 230 240 210 220 230 240 210 220 230 240 220 230 240 210 1 FIG. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the processormay correspond to the processorof. The processormay be operatively (or operably) coupled with or connected with the communication circuitry, the sensor, and the memory. The processorbeing operatively coupled with or connected with the communication circuitry, the sensor, and the memorymay mean that the processormay control the communication circuitry, the sensor, and the memory. For example, the communication circuitry, the sensor, and the memorymay be controlled by the processor.

3 FIG. 210 220 240 Although illustrated based on different blocks, an embodiment is not limited thereto, and a part of hardware of(e.g., at least a part of the processor, the communication circuitry, and the memory) may be included in a single integrated circuit, such as a system on a chip (SoC).

210 210 230 300 300 300 300 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the processormay be configured with at least one processor. For example, the processormay be configured with a main processor performing high-performance processing and an auxiliary processor performing low-power processing. At least a part of the sensormay be connected to the auxiliary processor. At least a part of the sensor connected to the auxiliary processor may obtain data on a user for 24 hours. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, one of the main processor and the auxiliary processor may be activated according to a state and/or an operation of an external electronic device. For example, a processor to be activated may be determined according to a state and/or an operation of the external electronic device. As an example, in a case that a battery of the external electronic deviceis insufficient or in a case that the external electronic deviceis changed to a sleep state (e.g., a state in which at least some functions are deactivated), the auxiliary processor for low-power processing may be activated. For example, in a case that accurate data on the user is required, the main processor may be activated to perform high-performance processing.

210 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the processormay include a hardware component for processing data based on one or more instructions. The hardware component for processing data may include, for example, an arithmetic and logic unit (ALU), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), and/or a central processing unit (CPU).

210 For example, the processormay include an application processor, a supplementary processor (e.g., a sensor hub, a microcontroller unit (MCU)), a central processor unit (CPU), a neural processing unit (NPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), and/or a processor for IoT (e.g., a processor integrated with a communication module).

210 230 210 230 210 230 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the processormay determine an operation timing of the sensor. The processormay control an operation of the sensor. The processormay process information obtained from the sensor.

200 220 220 190 220 220 220 210 220 210 200 220 220 210 1 FIG. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the smart ring devicemay include the communication circuitry. The communication circuitrymay correspond to at least a part of the communication moduleof. For example, the communication circuitrymay be used for various radio access technologies (RATs). For example, the communication circuitrymay be used to perform Bluetooth communication, wireless local area network (WLAN) communication, Zigbee communication, near field communication (NFC), ultra wide band (UWB) communication, radio-frequency identification (RFID) communication, or ANT+ communication. For example, the communication circuitrymay be used to perform cellular communication (e.g., fourth generation (4G) communication, fifth generation (5G) communication, sixth generation (6G) communication, or narrowband IoT (NB-IoT)). For example, the processormay establish a connection with an external electronic device through the communication circuitry. For example, the processormay identify (or measure) a position of the smart ring devicebased on a wireless signal (e.g., a global positioning system (GPS) signal or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) signal) received or transmitted using the communication circuitry. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the communication circuitrymay be configured to be integrated with the processor.

200 230 230 230 230 230 230 230 176 1 FIG. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the smart ring devicemay include the sensor. The sensormay be used to obtain various information. For example, the sensormay be used to obtain information on the user. The information on the user may include data on the user's body. As an example, the sensormay be used to obtain body temperature data (or body temperature information), heart rate data (or heart rate information), and/or motion data (or motion information) of the user. For example, the sensormay configured with at least one sensor. The sensormay include at least one sensor. For example, the sensormay correspond to the sensor moduleof.

230 231 231 200 231 200 For example, the sensormay include an acceleration sensor. The acceleration sensormay be used to identify a change in acceleration of the smart ring device. As an example, the acceleration sensormay identify (or measure or detect) acceleration of the smart ring devicein three directions of an x-axis, a y-axis, and a z-axis.

230 232 232 200 200 231 232 For example, the sensormay include a gyro sensor. The gyro sensormay identify (or measure or detect) angular velocity of the smart ring devicein the three directions of the x-axis, the y-axis, and the z-axis. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the smart ring devicemay include an inertial sensor including the acceleration sensorand the gyro sensor.

200 200 200 200 231 232 For example, the smart ring devicemay identify at least one of data on a movement of the smart ring device, data on the user's gesture, data on an amount of impact, data on a wearing direction of the smart ring device, data on a posture (or an orientation) of the smart ring device, and/or activity information of the user (e.g., sitting, movement, sports activity) by using at least one of the acceleration sensorand/or the gyro sensor.

230 233 233 233 233 233 210 For example, the sensormay include a photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor. The PPG sensormay be used to measure a pulse (or a change in an amount of blood in a blood vessel) by identifying an amount of change in light intensity according to a change in blood vessel volume. The PPG sensormay include one or more photodiodes (PDs) and one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs). For example, the PPG sensormay be used to identify a change in a blood flow amount in a blood vessel during a heartbeat. The PPG sensormay identify a change in a blood flow amount in a blood vessel during a heartbeat in a state in which an optical sensor is in contact with skin over a peripheral blood vessel. The processormay identify a blood flow amount and identify a change in the blood flow amount based on a PPG signal and a waveform.

233 For example, the PPG sensormay include a transmissive PPG sensor and/or a reflective PPG sensor.

233 233 233 240 As an example, the PPG sensormay output light toward the user's skin through one of an LED (e.g., green, red, or infrared (IR)), a laser, and a vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL). The PPG sensormay identify light reflected and/or transmitted from the user's skin through at least one of a PD and/or a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) camera. Based on the reflected and/or transmitted light, the PPG sensormay store a value identified through an analog to digital converter (ADC) in the memory(or a buffer).

As an example, the transmissive PPG sensor may identify light transmitted through a blood vessel through a PD disposed on an opposite side of the LED. The transmissive PPG sensor may identify the user's blood flow amount based on intensity of the light transmitted through the blood vessel. As an example, the reflective PPG sensor may output light toward the user's skin through the LED. The reflective PPG sensor may identify light, reflected from a blood vessel and at least partially received, through a PD disposed on substantially the same surface as the LED. The reflective PPG sensor may identify the user's blood flow amount based on intensity of the light reflected from the blood vessel. For example, a multi-light source may be used as the LED. For example, green light, which is a complementary color to blood, may be used as the LED.

230 200 200 215 230 280 2 FIG.C Although not illustrated, the sensormay further include various sensors (e.g., a temperature sensor) for obtaining (or identifying, measuring, or detecting) various data on the user and/or the smart ring device. Although not illustrated, in a case that the smart ring deviceincludes a structure, the sensormay further include one or more rotation detection sensors (e.g., the rotation detection sensorsof).

200 240 240 240 240 130 240 240 240 240 210 240 230 240 210 1 FIG. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the smart ring devicemay include the memory. The memorymay be used to store information or data. For example, the memorymay be used to store data obtained from the user. For example, the memorymay correspond to the memoryof. For example, the memorymay be volatile memory unit or units. For example, the memorymay be non-volatile memory unit or units. For another example, the memorymay be another type of a computer readable medium, such as a magnetic or optical disk. For example, the memorymay store data obtained based on an operation (e.g., an algorithm execution operation) performed by the processor. For example, the memorymay store the data (e.g., the information on the user) obtained from the sensor. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the memorymay be configured in an integrated form with the processor.

3 FIG. 2 FIG.B 200 200 255 254 252 200 233 Although not illustrated in, the smart ring devicemay further include various components. For example, as illustrated in, the smart ring devicemay further include at least one of the antenna, the power management integrated circuit (PMIC), the battery, and the flexible printed circuit board (FPCB). According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the smart ring devicemay further include a biometric sensor (e.g., an ECG sensor) including the PPG sensor.

200 200 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the smart ring devicemay further include various components in addition to the illustrated components. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the smart ring devicemay further include a display.

200 300 200 300 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the smart ring devicemay operate in a state of being connected to the external electronic device. For example, the smart ring devicemay be used to perform an input of the external electronic device.

300 310 320 330 340 300 310 320 330 340 310 320 330 340 300 101 1 FIG. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the external electronic devicemay include a processor, communication circuitry, a display, and/or memory. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the external electronic devicemay include at least one of the processor, the communication circuitry, the display, and the memory. For example, at least a part of the processor, the communication circuitry, the display, and the memorymay be omitted according to an embodiment. For example, the external electronic devicemay include at least a part of the components of the electronic deviceof.

310 300 210 200 320 300 220 200 340 300 240 200 For example, the processorof the external electronic devicemay correspond to the processorof the smart ring device. The communication circuitryof the external electronic devicemay correspond to the communication circuitryof the smart ring device. The memoryof the external electronic devicemay correspond to the memoryof the smart ring device.

300 330 330 330 360 330 160 1 FIG. For example, the external electronic devicemay include the display. The displaymay output visualized information to the user. For example, the displaymay output visualized information to the user by being controlled by the processorincluding circuitry, such as a graphics processing unit (GPU). For example, the displaymay correspond to the display moduleof.

340 300 200 200 200 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the memoryof the external electronic devicemay store instructions for processing a user input (e.g., a rotation input) received from the smart ring device. For example, a function for processing the rotation input according to the instructions may be in a deactivated state before being connected with the smart ring device. The function for processing the rotation input may be activated based on the connection with the smart ring device.

300 340 300 200 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the external electronic devicemay include a rotary bezel or a rotary structure. For example, the rotary structure may be configured based on a crown type (or a crown gear). The memorymay store instructions for processing a user input received (or identified) from the external electronic deviceor a user input received (or identified) from the smart ring device.

300 300 200 300 300 300 300 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, in a case that the external electronic deviceis a smart watch, the connection between the external electronic deviceand the smart ring devicemay be managed by another external electronic device (not illustrated) (e.g., a terminal or a smartphone). According to an embodiment of the disclosure, in a case that the external electronic deviceis the smart watch, the external electronic devicemay identify a rotation input as well as a general touch input (e.g., a press input, a long-press input, a double tap input, or a drag input). The external electronic deviceconfigured in a circular shape may include a physical rotary bezel, or may include a virtual rotary bezel touchable along a housing of the external electronic device.

4 FIG. illustrates a light receiving circuit of a PPG sensor according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

4 FIG. 2 FIG.B 233 400 400 233 2 Referring to, a PPG sensormay include a light receiving circuit. For example, the light receiving circuitmay be an example of a light receiving circuit among the one or more light receiving circuits-illustrated in.

400 400 400 401 402 403 404 400 400 401 402 4 FIG. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the light receiving circuitmay include one or more light receivers. For example, the light receiving circuitmay include four light receivers. The light receiving circuitmay include a first light receiver, a second light receiver, a third light receiver, and a fourth light receiver.illustrates an example in which the light receiving circuitincludes four light receivers, but it is not limited thereto. The light receiving circuitmay include only the first light receiverand the second light receiver.

401 210 410 402 210 420 403 210 430 404 210 440 410 440 401 404 The first light receivermay be connected to a processorthrough an ADC. The second light receivermay be connected to the processorthrough an ADC. The third light receivermay be connected to the processorthrough an ADC. The fourth light receivermay be connected to the processorthrough an ADC. The ADCto ADCmay be used to convert an analog signal related to light identified by each of the first light receiverto the fourth light receiverinto a digital signal.

401 404 401 404 401 402 For example, each of the first light receiverto the fourth light receivermay include at least one photodiode (or PD). Each of the first light receiverto the fourth light receivermay be configured with at least one photodiode. As an example, the first light receivermay include at least one photodiode. The second light receivermay include at least one other photodiode.

210 401 210 402 210 403 210 404 233 1 233 1 233 1 233 1 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the processormay identify first signal using the first light receiver. The processormay identify a second signal using the second light receiver. The processormay identify a third signal using the third light receiver. The processormay identify a fourth signal using the fourth light receiver. For example, the first signal may include a first value for intensity of light, the light being emitted through a light emitting circuit-and reflected from at least a part of a user's finger. The second signal may include a second value for intensity of light, the light being emitted through the light emitting circuit-and reflected from at least a part of the user's finger. The third signal may include a third value for intensity of light, the light being emitted through the light emitting circuit-and reflected from at least a part of the user's finger. The fourth signal may include a fourth value for intensity of light, the light being emitted through the light emitting circuit-and reflected from at least a part of the user's finger.

210 200 200 200 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the processormay identify wearing direction of a smart ring deviceby using at least one of the first signal to the fourth signal. Hereinafter, an example of an operation of the smart ring devicefor identifying the wearing direction of the smart ring deviceusing at least one of the first signal to the fourth signal will be described.

5 FIG.A illustrates a wearing direction of a smart ring device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

5 FIG.B illustrates signals identified by light receivers of a smart ring device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

6 FIG.A illustrates a wearing direction of a smart ring device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

6 FIG.B illustrates signals identified by light receivers of a smart ring device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

5 6 FIGS.A andA 5 FIG.A 6 FIG.A 200 200 200 200 200 Referring to, a smart ring devicemay be worn in one of a first direction and a second direction. For example, a wearing direction of the smart ring devicemay include the first direction and the second direction.illustrates a case that the smart ring deviceis worn in the first direction.illustrates a case that the smart ring deviceis worn in the second direction. Since there is no limitation on the wearing direction, the smart ring devicemay be worn in one wearing direction among the first direction and the second direction.

5 FIG.A 200 213 200 200 214 213 200 214 213 Referring to, in a case that the smart ring deviceis worn in the first direction, a direction in which a first side surfacefaces may correspond to a direction in which a finger on which the smart ring deviceis worn faces. In a case that the smart ring deviceis worn in the first direction, a second side surfacemay approach the finger earlier than the first side surface. In a state in which the smart ring deviceis worn in the first direction, the second side surfacemay be disposed toward a dorsum of a hand. The first side surfacemay be disposed toward a nail.

6 FIG.A 200 214 200 200 213 214 200 213 214 Referring to, in a case that the smart ring deviceis worn in the second direction, a direction in which the second side surfacefaces may correspond to a direction in which the finger on which the smart ring deviceis worn faces. In a case that the smart ring deviceis worn in the second direction, the first side surfacemay approach the finger earlier than the second side surface. In a state in which the smart ring deviceis worn in the second direction, the first side surfacemay be disposed toward the dorsum of the hand. The second side surfacemay be disposed toward the nail.

5 6 FIGS.A andA 2 FIG.B 400 211 233 1 233 400 233 2 Referring to, as illustrated in, a light receiving circuitmay be disposed on at least a part of a first surface. Light emitted from one or more light emitting circuits-of a PPG sensormay be reflected from the user's finger. The light receiving circuit(or one or more light receiving circuits-) may identify (or detect) the reflected light.

400 401 402 403 404 401 403 213 214 402 404 214 213 401 402 403 404 200 200 400 200 400 5 FIG.B 6 FIG.B For example, the light receiving circuitmay include a first light receiver, a second light receiver, a third light receiver, and a fourth light receiver. The first light receiverand the third light receivermay be disposed closer to the first side surfacethan the second side surface. The second light receiverand the fourth light receivermay be disposed closer to the second side surfacethan the first side surface. Therefore, signals identified by a plurality of light receivers (e.g., the first light receiver, the second light receiver, the third light receiver, and the fourth light receiver) may differ according to the wearing direction of the smart ring device. For example, in a case that the smart ring deviceis worn in the first direction, signals identified by the plurality of light receivers of the light receiving circuitmay be identified (or configured) as illustrated in. In a case that the smart ring deviceis worn in the second direction, signals identified by the plurality of light receivers of the light receiving circuitmay be identified (or configured) as illustrated in.

5 FIG.B 510 401 520 402 530 403 540 404 Referring to, a graphrepresents intensity of a first signal identified through the first light receiverover time. A graphrepresents intensity of a second signal identified through the second light receiverover time. A graphrepresents intensity of a third signal identified through the third light receiverover time. A graphrepresents intensity of a fourth signal identified through the fourth light receiverover time.

200 200 214 A timing at which intensity of a signal becomes saturated according to wearing of the smart ring devicemay be different for each of light receivers. For example, in a case that the smart ring deviceis worn in the first direction, the second side surfacemay approach the user's finger first.

210 501 501 For example, the processormay identify an amount of change in the first signal (or a first value for light intensity) and an amount of change in the second signal (or a second value for light intensity) at a specified timing (e.g., a timing). At the specified timing (e.g., the timing), the amount of change in the first signal (or the first value for the light intensity) may be less than the amount of change in the second signal (or the second value for the light intensity).

402 404 214 214 401 403 214 For example, light receivers (e.g., the second light receiverand the fourth light receiver) disposed close to the second side surfacemay first identify light reflected from the user's finger. After the light is identified in the light receivers disposed close to the second side surface, light receivers (e.g., the first light receiverand the third light receiver) disposed far from the second side surfacemay identify the light reflected from the user's finger.

402 404 214 401 403 214 402 404 501 401 403 502 Signals identified in the light receivers (e.g., the second light receiverand the fourth light receiver) disposed close to the second side surfacemay be saturated earlier than signals identified in the light receivers (e.g., the first light receiverand the third light receiver) disposed far from the second side surface. The second signal identified through the second light receiverand the fourth signal identified through the fourth light receivermay be saturated at the timing. The first signal identified through the first light receiverand the third signal identified through the third light receivermay be saturated at a timing.

6 FIG.B 610 401 620 402 630 403 640 404 Referring to, a graphrepresents intensity of a first signal identified through the first light receiverover time. A graphrepresents intensity of a second signal identified through the second light receiverover time. A graphrepresents intensity of a third signal identified through the third light receiverover time. A graphrepresents intensity of a fourth signal identified through the fourth light receiverover time.

200 200 213 A timing at which intensity of a signal becomes saturated according to wearing of the smart ring devicemay be different for each of light receivers. For example, in a case that the smart ring deviceis worn in the second direction, the first side surfacemay approach the user's finger first.

210 601 601 For example, the processormay identify an amount of change in the first signal (or a first value for light intensity) and an amount of change in the second signal (or a second value for light intensity) at a specified timing (e.g., a timing). At the specified timing (e.g., the timing), the amount of change in the first signal (or the first value for the light intensity) may be greater than or equal to the amount of change in the second signal (or the second value for the light intensity).

401 403 213 213 402 404 213 For example, light receivers (e.g., the first light receiverand the third light receiver) disposed close to the first side surfacemay first identify light reflected from the user's finger. After the light is identified in the light receivers disposed close to the first side surface, light receivers (e.g., the second light receiverand the fourth light receiver) disposed far from the first side surfacemay identify the light reflected from the user's finger.

401 403 213 402 404 213 401 403 601 402 404 602 Signals identified in the light receivers (e.g., the first light receiverand the third light receiver) disposed close to the first side surfacemay be saturated earlier than signals identified in the light receivers (e.g., the second light receiverand the fourth light receiver) disposed far from the first side surface. The first signal identified through the first light receiverand the third signal identified through the third light receivermay be saturated at the timing. The second signal identified through the second light receiverand the fourth signal identified through the fourth light receivermay be saturated at a timing.

5 5 6 6 FIGS.A,B,A, andB 210 200 210 200 402 404 401 403 210 200 401 403 402 404 Referring to, the processormay identify the wearing direction of the smart ring deviceas one of the first direction or the second direction based on an order in which light is identified by the plurality of light receivers (or an order in which a signal is saturated). The processormay identify the wearing direction of the smart ring deviceas the first direction based on the second light receiverand the fourth light receiveridentifying light earlier than the first light receiverand the third light receiver. The processormay identify the wearing direction of the smart ring deviceas the second direction based on the first light receiverand the third light receiveridentifying light earlier than the second light receiverand the fourth light receiver.

5 5 6 6 FIGS.A,B,A, andB 210 200 210 200 210 200 Referring to, the processormay identify the wearing direction of the smart ring deviceas one of the first direction and the second direction based on the amount of change in the first signal (or the first value for the light intensity) and the amount of change in the second signal (or the second value for the light intensity). The processormay identify the wearing direction of the smart ring deviceas the first direction based on identifying that the amount of change in the first signal (or the first value for the light intensity) is less than the amount of change in the second signal (or the second value for the light intensity). The processormay identify the wearing direction of the smart ring deviceas the second direction based on identifying that the amount of change in the first signal (or the first value for the light intensity) is greater than or equal to the amount of change in the second signal (or the second value for the light intensity).

200 210 200 For example, based on the wearing direction of the smart ring device, the processormay perform a function according to a user input (e.g., a rotation input or a touch input) generated in a state in which the smart ring deviceis worn by the user.

7 FIG. illustrates a path of light emitted from a light emitter, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

7 FIG. 2 FIG.B 2 FIG.B 200 701 702 703 711 712 713 701 702 703 701 702 703 700 711 712 713 701 702 703 233 1 711 712 713 233 2 Referring to, a smart ring devicemay include a light emitting circuit, a light emitting circuit, a light emitting circuit, a light receiving circuit, a light receiving circuit, and a light receiving circuit. Each of the light emitting circuit, the light emitting circuit, and the light emitting circuitmay emit light. The light emitted through the light emitting circuit, the light emitting circuit, and the light emitting circuitmay be reflected from a user's finger, and the reflected light may be identified through the light receiving circuit, the light receiving circuit, and the light receiving circuit. For example, the light emitting circuit, the light emitting circuit, and the light emitting circuitmay be an example of the one or more light emitting circuits-described in. The light receiving circuit, the light receiving circuit, and the light receiving circuitmay be an example of the one or more light receiving circuits-described in.

7 FIG. 702 703 701 illustrates movement paths of light emitted through a light emitting circuit for convenience of description. Although not illustrated, light emitted from the light emitting circuitand the light emitting circuitmay move similarly to the movement paths of light emitted through the light emitting circuitdescribed below.

701 701 711 712 713 210 701 702 703 711 712 713 210 200 231 232 210 200 200 200 210 701 702 703 711 712 713 200 200 9 FIG. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the light emitting circuitmay emit light. For example, the light emitting circuitmay emit light based on a specified time interval (or a specified period). The light receiving circuit, the light receiving circuit, or the light receiving circuitmay identify light based on a specified time interval (or a specified period). For example, a processormay activate one or more light emitting circuits (e.g., the light emitting circuit, the light emitting circuit, and the light emitting circuit) and one or more light receiving circuits (e.g., the light receiving circuit, the light receiving circuit, and the light receiving circuit) based on a specified time interval (or a specified period). Since the one or more light emitting circuits and the one or more light receiving circuits are activated according to the specified time interval (or the specified period), current consumption may be minimized. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the processormay identify that the user is wearing the smart ring device, by using an acceleration sensorand/or a gyro sensor. The processormay operate in an operation mode for identifying a wearing direction of the smart ring devicebased on identifying that the user is wearing the smart ring device. Based on the operation mode for identifying the wearing direction of the smart ring device, the processormay activate the one or more light emitting circuits (e.g., the light emitting circuit, the light emitting circuit, and the light emitting circuit) and the one or more light receiving circuits (e.g., the light receiving circuit, the light receiving circuit, and the light receiving circuit), based on the specified time interval (or the specified period). For example, the operation mode for identifying the wearing direction of the smart ring devicemay be distinguished from an operation mode for identifying information on the user (e.g., information on a blood flow amount). A specific example of an operation of the one or more light emitting circuits in each of the operation mode for identifying the wearing direction of the smart ring deviceand the operation mode for identifying the information on the user (e.g., the information on the blood flow amount) will be described later in.

200 701 711 712 713 200 711 712 713 210 200 711 712 713 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, in a case that the smart ring deviceis not worn on the user's finger, the light emitted through the light emitting circuitmay not be identified by the light receiving circuit, the light receiving circuit, or the light receiving circuit. In a case that the smart ring deviceis not worn on the user's finger, a value representing intensity of light identified by the light receiving circuit, the light receiving circuit, or the light receiving circuitmay be less than a threshold value. The processormay identify that the smart ring deviceis not worn by the user based on identifying that the value representing the intensity of the light identified by the light receiving circuit, the light receiving circuit, or the light receiving circuitis less than the threshold value.

200 700 701 711 712 713 701 700 700 711 761 700 713 762 701 700 700 712 763 In a case that the smart ring deviceis worn on the user's finger, the light emitted through the light emitting circuitmay be identified by the light receiving circuit, the light receiving circuit, or the light receiving circuit. For example, the light emitted through the light emitting circuitmay be reflected from the user's finger. The light reflected from the user's fingermay be identified by the light receiving circuitthrough a path. The light reflected from the user's fingermay be identified by the light receiving circuitthrough a path. For example, the light emitted through the light emitting circuitmay transmit through the user's finger. The light transmitted through the user's fingermay be identified by the light receiving circuitthrough a path.

210 200 711 712 713 210 200 6 5 5 6 FIGS.A,B,A The processormay identify whether the smart ring deviceis worn on the user's finger, based on signals identified by the light receiving circuit, the light receiving circuit, and the light receiving circuit. The processormay identify the wearing direction of the smart ring devicebased on the operations of, andB.

701 701 701 702 703 200 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a light emitting circuit (e.g., the light emitting circuit) may be configured to emit light in an IR band. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the light emitting circuit (e.g., the light emitting circuit) may be configured with a red LED and/or a green LED. The light emitting circuit may be configured to emit red and/or green light. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the one or more light emitting circuits (e.g., the light emitting circuit, the light emitting circuit, and the light emitting circuit) included in the smart ring devicemay be configured to emit at least one of the light in the IR band, red light, and/or green light.

211 200 200 701 702 703 711 712 713 701 702 703 701 702 703 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, at least a part of a first surfaceof the smart ring devicemay be transparently formed. For example, the smart ring devicemay include one or more light emitting circuits (e.g., the light emitting circuit, the light emitting circuit, and the light emitting circuit) and two or more light receiving circuits (e.g., the light receiving circuit, the light receiving circuit, and the light receiving circuit). The one or more light emitting circuits (e.g., the light emitting circuit, the light emitting circuit, and the light emitting circuit) may include an element configured to emit light in one or more wavelength bands. For example, the one or more light emitting circuits (e.g., the light emitting circuit, the light emitting circuit, and the light emitting circuit) may include a light emitting circuit for emitting a wavelength related to red and a light emitting circuit for respectively emitting an IR wavelength. The wavelength related to red may be configured with a spectrum of 600 nano-meters [nm] to 650 [nm]. The IR wavelength may be configured with a spectrum of 850 [nm] to 900 [nm].

210 210 701 701 713 700 762 712 700 763 210 701 210 712 701 712 701 For example, the processormay output light in each wavelength band based on time division. As an example, the processormay emit light in the red wavelength through the light emitting circuit. In a case that the light in the red wavelength is emitted from the light emitting circuit, the light receiving circuitmay identify the light reflected from the fingerthrough the path. As an example, the light receiving circuitmay identify the light transmitted through the fingerthrough the path. As an example, the processormay emit the light in the IR band through the light emitting circuitbased on time division. The processormay emit light in the IR band of first intensity toward the light receiving circuitthrough the light emitting circuitat a first timing, and may emit light in the IR band of second intensity toward the light receiving circuitthrough the light emitting circuitat a second timing.

210 712 712 700 210 713 713 700 The processormay identify, at the first timing, the light in the IR band emitted in the first intensity, by using the light receiving circuit. The light in the IR band emitted in the first intensity may be identified by the light receiving circuitafter transmitting through the user's finger. The processormay identify, at the second timing, the light in the IR band emitted in the second intensity by using the light receiving circuit. The light in the IR band emitted in the second intensity may be identified by the light receiving circuitafter being reflected from the user's finger.

200 751 752 201 203 200 233 1 233 2 200 751 752 200 233 1 233 2 200 751 752 200 233 1 233 2 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the smart ring devicemay include a blocking memberand a blocking member. Since at least a part of a housing(e.g., an inner housing portion) of the smart ring deviceis formed transparently, light emitted from the one or more light emitting circuits-may be identified by the one or more light receiving circuits-by being transmitted and/or reflected inside the smart ring device. The blocking memberand the blocking membermay be disposed inside the smart ring deviceto prevent the light emitted from the one or more light emitting circuits-from being identified by the one or more light receiving circuits-by being transmitted and/or reflected inside the smart ring device. The blocking memberand the blocking membermay be disposed inside the smart ring deviceto prevent the light emitted from the one or more light emitting circuits-from being directly emitted to the one or more light receiving circuits-.

751 701 713 751 702 711 752 702 712 752 703 713 For example, the blocking membermay be disposed between the light emitting circuitand the light receiving circuit. The blocking membermay be disposed between the light emitting circuitand the light receiving circuit. The blocking membermay be disposed between the light emitting circuitand the light receiving circuit. The blocking membermay be disposed between the light emitting circuitand the light receiving circuit.

751 752 751 752 751 713 752 712 751 713 752 712 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, sizes of the blocking memberand the blocking membermay be formed to be different. However, it is not limited thereto. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, materials configuring the blocking memberand the blocking membermay be different from each other. However, it is not limited thereto. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a distance between the blocking memberand the light receiving circuitmay be different from a distance between the blocking memberand the light receiving circuit. However, it is not limited thereto. For example, the distance between the blocking memberand the light receiving circuitmay be shorter than the distance between the blocking memberand the light receiving circuit.

200 200 200 200 200 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the smart ring devicemay be configured in various sizes according to a size of the user's finger. A diameter of the smart ring devicemay be configured in various lengths. Although sizes of components inside the smart ring deviceare not changed, a distance between the components may be changed based on a size of the smart ring device. For example, the diameter of the smart ring devicemay be set to one of 2 centimeters [cm] and 2.5 [cm]. A distance between a light emitting circuit and a light receiving circuit included in a smart ring device with a diameter of 2 [cm] may be shorter than a distance between a light emitting circuit and a light receiving circuit included in a smart ring device with a diameter of 2.5 [cm].

8 FIG. illustrates a flowchart related to an operation of a smart ring device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

In the following embodiment of the disclosure, each of operations may be sequentially performed, but is not necessarily performed sequentially. For example, an order of each of the operations may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel.

8 FIG. 810 210 200 200 210 200 231 232 210 200 200 231 210 200 200 232 Referring to, in operation, a processorof a smart ring devicemay identify a movement of the smart ring device. For example, the processormay identify the movement of the smart ring deviceby using at least one of an acceleration sensorand/or a gyro sensor. As an example, the processormay identify that the movement of the smart ring devicehas occurred based on identifying that a value representing acceleration of the smart ring deviceidentified through the acceleration sensoris greater than a first threshold value. As an example, the processormay identify that the movement of the smart ring devicehas occurred based on identifying that a value representing angular velocity of the smart ring deviceidentified through the gyro sensoris greater than a second threshold value.

820 210 200 210 200 233 1 233 2 210 200 400 4 FIG. In operation, the processormay identify whether the smart ring deviceis worn by a user. For example, the processormay identify whether the smart ring deviceis worn by the user, by using at least one of one or more light emitting circuits-and/or one or more light receiving circuits-. For example, the processormay identify whether the smart ring deviceis worn by the user, based on a plurality of signals identified through a plurality of light receivers included in a light receiving circuit (e.g., the light receiving circuitof).

200 210 810 200 200 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, in a case that the smart ring deviceis worn by the user, the processormay perform the operationagain. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, in a case that the smart ring deviceis worn by the user, the smart ring devicemay operate in an operation mode for identifying information on the user.

830 200 210 200 210 200 200 210 233 1 210 233 2 In operation, in a case that the smart ring deviceis not worn by the user, the processormay set an operation mode of the smart ring deviceto an operation mode for identifying a wearing direction. For example, the processormay set the operation mode of the smart ring deviceas the operation mode for identifying the wearing direction based on identifying that the smart ring deviceis not worn by the user. For example, in the operation mode for identifying the wearing direction, the processormay emit light in an IR band using the one or more light emitting circuits-. The processormay identify the light in the IR band (or a part of the light in the IR band) by using the one or more light receiving circuits-.

840 210 200 210 200 233 2 In operation, the processormay identify (or determine) the wearing direction of the smart ring device. For example, the processormay identify (or determine) the wearing direction of the smart ring devicebased on signals identified using the one or more light receiving circuits-.

210 200 200 213 200 200 200 214 200 200 200 1 2 2 3 4 5 5 6 6 7 FIGS.,A toC,,,A,B,A,B, and For example, the processormay identify the wearing direction of the smart ring deviceas one of a first direction and a second direction. In a case that the smart ring deviceis worn in the first direction, a direction in which a first side surfaceof the smart ring devicefaces may correspond to a direction in which a finger on which the smart ring deviceis worn faces. In a case that the smart ring deviceis worn in the second direction, a direction in which a second side surfaceof the smart ring devicefaces may correspond to a direction in which the finger on which the smart ring deviceis worn faces. A specific operation for identifying the wearing direction of the smart ring devicemay be referred to.

850 210 200 210 200 200 200 210 200 200 210 200 In operation, the processormay set the operation mode of the smart ring deviceto the operation mode for identifying the information on the user. For example, the processormay change the operation mode of the smart ring deviceafter the wearing direction of the smart ring deviceis identified. Based on identifying the wearing direction of the smart ring device, the processormay change the operation mode of the smart ring devicefrom the operation mode for identifying the wearing direction to the operation mode for identifying the information on the user. Based on identifying the wearing direction of the smart ring device, the processormay set the operation mode of the smart ring deviceas the operation mode for identifying the information on the user.

210 233 For example, in the operation mode for identifying the information on the user, the processormay identify health information (e.g., heart rate measurement (HRM) information) of the user using a PPG sensor.

210 210 233 1 210 233 1 210 210 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the processormay distinguish the operation mode (hereinafter, a first operation mode) for identifying the wearing direction and the operation mode (hereinafter, a second operation mode) for identifying the information on the user. For example, in the first operation mode, the processormay perform a first light emission (or a first light emission) through at least one of the one or more light emitting circuits-. In the second operation mode, the processormay perform a second light emission through at least one of the one or more light emitting circuits-. The second light emission may be different from the first light emission in at least one of light intensity, emission time, or an emission period. As an example, the processormay set light intensity according to the first light emission to be weaker than light intensity according to the second light emission. The processormay efficiently use power by setting the light intensity according to the first light emission to be weaker than the light intensity according to the second light emission.

9 FIG. illustrates intensity of light emitted based on an operation mode of a smart ring device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

9 FIG. 210 233 1 210 233 1 200 Referring to, a processormay set at least one of intensity, a light wavelength, emission time (or emission duration), or an emission period of light emitted through at least one of one or more light emitting circuits-. For example, the processormay set at least one of intensity, a wavelength, emission time, or an emission period of light emitted through at least one of the one or more light emitting circuits-, based on an operation mode of a smart ring device.

210 233 2 210 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, in an operation mode (hereinafter, a second operation mode) for identifying information on a user, the processormay identify light transmitted or reflected from the user's finger. by using one or more light receiving circuits-. Therefore, the processormay set at least one of light intensity, a light wavelength, emission time, or an emission period based on a transmittance and/or a reflectance of light with respect to the user's finger.

210 200 210 910 920 On the other hand, in an operation mode (hereinafter, a first operation mode) for identifying a wearing direction, the processormay first operate in a state in which the smart ring deviceis not worn. Therefore, in the first operation mode, the processormay adjust at least one of the light intensity, the light wavelength, the emission time, or the emission period set in the second operation mode. A graphrepresents intensity of light emitted over time in the first operation mode. A graphrepresents intensity of light emitted over time in the second operation mode.

210 910 920 1 2 1 2 For example, since a transmittance of air is higher than a transmittance of the user's finger, the processormay set the intensity of the light emitted in the first operation mode to be less than the intensity of the light emitted in the second operation mode. Referring to the graphand the graph, the intensity of the light emitted in the first operation mode may be a. The intensity of the light emitted in the second operation mode may be a. The amay be set to be less than the a.

210 910 920 1 2 1 2 For example, the processormay set emission time in the first operation mode to be shorter than emission time in the second operation mode. Referring to the graphand the graph, the emission time in the first operation mode may be t. The emission time in the second operation mode may be t. The tmay be set to be shorter than the t.

210 910 920 1 2 1 2 For example, the processormay set an emission period in the first operation mode to be shorter than an emission period in the second operation mode. Referring to the graphand the graph, the emission period in the first operation mode may be set to T(e.g., 1/60 second). The emission period in the second operation mode may be set to T(e.g., 1/30 second). The Tmay be set to be shorter than the T.

210 210 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the processormay improve accuracy of identification with respect to the wearing direction by setting the emission period to be short in the first operation mode. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the processormay set the intensity of the light emitted in the first operation mode to be greater than the intensity of the light emitted in the second operation mode, and set the emission time in the first operation mode to be shorter than the emission time in the second operation mode.

210 200 210 210 233 2 210 200 233 2 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the processormay change the number of light emitting circuits and/or the number of light receiving circuits to be activated, based on the operation mode of the smart ring device. For example, the processormay set the number of light receiving circuits activated in the first operation mode differently from the number of light receiving circuits activated in the second operation mode. For example, the processormay identify the information on the user by using all of the one or more light receiving circuits-in the second operation mode. The processormay identify the wearing direction of the smart ring deviceby using one of the one or more light receiving circuits-in the first operation mode.

10 FIG. illustrates intensity of light emitted based on a surrounding environment of a smart ring device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

10 FIG. 210 233 1 233 2 1010 233 1 200 1020 233 1 233 1 200 Referring to, a processormay control an operation of one or more light emitting circuits-and/or one or more light receiving circuits-according to a surrounding environment (or a surrounding light source environment). A graphrepresents intensity of light emitted from at least one of the one or more light emitting circuits-over time while a smart ring device(or a user) is positioned in an indoor environment. A graphrepresents intensity of light emitted from the one or more light emitting circuits-(or at least one of the one or more light emitting circuits-) over time while the smart ring device(or the user) is positioned in an outdoor environment.

210 1010 1020 1 2 1 2 For example, the processormay set light intensity in the indoor environment to be less than light intensity in the outdoor environment. Referring to the graphand the graph, the light intensity in the indoor environment may be a. The light intensity in the outdoor environment may be a. The amay be set to be less than the a.

210 1010 1020 1 2 1 2 For example, the processormay set emission time in the indoor environment to be longer than emission time in the outdoor environment. Referring to the graphand the graph, the emission time in the indoor environment may be t. The emission time in the outdoor environment may be t. The tmay be set to be longer than the t.

210 1010 1020 1 2 1 2 For example, the processormay set an emission period in the indoor environment to be longer than an emission period in the outdoor environment. Referring to the graphand the graph, the emission period in the indoor environment may be T(e.g., 1/30 second). The emission period in the outdoor environment may be T(e.g., 1/60 second). The Tmay be set to be longer than the T.

200 200 200 310 For example, in a case that the smart ring device(or the user) is positioned in the indoor environment, illuminance of the indoor environment may be lower than illuminance of the outdoor environment. Therefore, the smart ring devicemay be less affected by ambient light in the indoor environment. As an example, in a case that the user wears the smart ring devicein an environment with strong infrared radiation, such as sundown, one or more light receiving circuits may identify external infrared radiation. Therefore, noise may be generated by the external infrared radiation. Therefore, the processormay set the light intensity in the outdoor environment to be greater than the light intensity in the indoor environment.

210 233 1 210 233 1 210 233 1 210 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, in an operation mode (hereinafter, a first operation mode) for identifying a wearing direction, the processormay not first emit light using the one or more light emitting circuits-. The processormay identify an infrared component of ambient light before emitting light using the one or more light emitting circuits-. Based on identifying that intensity of the infrared component of the ambient light is greater than a threshold value, the processormay increase intensity of infrared radiation (or light) emitted through the one or more light emitting circuits-. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, since power consumption increases in a case that the intensity of the emitted infrared radiation (or light) is increased, the processormay set emission time to be shorter than emission time in a case that the intensity of the infrared component of the ambient light is not greater than the threshold value.

210 210 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, based on identifying that the intensity of the infrared component of the ambient light is greater than the threshold value, the processormay set an emission period to be shorter than an emission period in a case that the intensity of the infrared component of the ambient light is not greater than the threshold value. The processormay improve accuracy with respect to identification of the wearing direction by setting the emission period to be shorter than the emission period in a case that the intensity of the infrared component of the ambient light is not greater than the threshold value.

210 233 2 210 233 2 210 233 2 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the processormay change sensitivity of the one or more light receiving circuits-based on the surrounding environment. For example, in a case that illuminance of the surrounding environment is high, the processormay reduce the sensitivity of the one or more light receiving circuits-. In a case that the illuminance of the surrounding environment is low, the processormay increase the sensitivity of the one or more light receiving circuits-.

210 210 233 2 210 200 233 2 233 2 210 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the processormay change a threshold value for identifying the wearing direction based on the surrounding environment. For example, in a case that the intensity of the infrared component of the ambient light is large, the processormay increase the threshold value for identifying wearing detection (or the wearing direction) by using signals of the one or more light receiving circuits-. For example, the processormay detect the wearing of the smart ring devicebased on identifying that intensity of light identified through the one or more light receiving circuits-is greater than or equal to the threshold value. Since the infrared component of the ambient light is also identified through the one or more light receiving circuits-, the processormay set the threshold value to be high.

210 233 1 210 200 300 200 210 233 1 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the processormay set at least one of intensity, a wavelength, emission time (or emission duration), or an emission period of light emitted through at least one of the one or more light emitting circuits-based on a characteristic of the user's finger. For example, an amount of reflected light in a case that a skin color of the user's finger is dark may be less than an amount of reflected light in a case that the skin color of the user's finger is light. Therefore, the processormay obtain information on the skin color of the user by using the smart ring deviceor an external electronic deviceconnected to the smart ring device. In a case that the skin color of the user's finger is darker than a skin color of average users, the processormay increase the intensity of the light emitted through at least one of the one or more light emitting circuits-.

11 FIG. illustrates an operation of a smart ring device for identifying a wearing direction of the smart ring device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

11 FIG. 210 200 401 402 200 401 402 Referring to, a processormay identify a wearing direction of a smart ring devicebased on a distance from a part of a finger identified in each of a plurality of receivers (e.g., a first light receiverand a second light receiver). A thickness of the user's finger may become thicker from a fingernail to a dorsum of a hand. Therefore, when the smart ring deviceis worn, intensity of light identified by the first light receiverand the second light receivermay be different from each other.

214 213 401 213 1110 402 214 1120 1110 1 1120 2 1 401 1110 2 402 1120 200 1110 401 1120 402 210 200 401 402 210 200 401 402 For example, a second side surfacemay approach the finger earlier than a first side surface. The first light receiverdisposed close to the first side surfacemay identify light reflected from a first partof the finger. The second light receiverdisposed close to the second side surfacemay identify light reflected from a second partof the finger. A thickness of the first partof the finger may be w. A thickness of the second partof the finger may be w. A distance dfrom the first light receiverto the first partof the finger may be longer than a distance dfrom the second light receiverto the second partof the finger. Therefore, at a specified timing (e.g., a timing within a time period in which the smart ring deviceis worn), intensity of light reflected from the first partof the finger and identified by the first light receivermay be less than intensity of light reflected from the second partof the finger and identified by the second light receiver. The processormay identify that the smart ring deviceis worn in a first direction based on identifying that the intensity of the light identified by the first light receiveris less than the intensity of the light identified by the second light receiver. Similar to the above-described example, the processormay identify that the smart ring deviceis worn in a second direction based on identifying that the intensity of the light identified by the first light receiveris greater than or equal to the intensity of the light identified by the second light receiverat a specified timing.

12 FIG. illustrates a flowchart related to an operation of a smart ring device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

12 FIG. Referring to, each of operations may be sequentially performed, but is not necessarily performed sequentially. For example, an order of each of the operations may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel.

1210 210 200 1210 840 8 FIG. In operation, a processormay identify a wearing direction of a smart ring device. For example, the operationmay correspond to the operationof.

1220 210 200 240 200 210 200 240 In operation, the processormay identify whether information on a hand wearing the smart ring deviceis in a state of being stored in memory. For example, based on identifying the wearing direction of the smart ring device, the processormay identify whether the information on the hand wearing the smart ring deviceis in a state of being stored in the memory.

210 200 240 240 210 200 For example, the processormay identify whether information on a hand mainly wearing the smart ring deviceis in a state of being stored in the memory. In a case that the information on the mainly worn hand is stored in the memory, the processormay identify the information on the hand wearing the smart ring device.

1230 200 240 210 200 210 200 200 240 In operation, in a case that the information on the hand wearing the smart ring deviceis not stored in the memory, the processormay obtain the information on the hand wearing the smart ring device. The processormay obtain the information on the hand wearing the smart ring devicebased on identifying that the information on the hand wearing the smart ring deviceis not stored in the memory.

210 200 210 200 210 200 200 300 200 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the processormay identify an input for obtaining the information on the hand wearing the smart ring device. For example, the processormay request the information on the hand wearing the smart ring device. The processormay identify the input for obtaining the information on the hand wearing the smart ring deviceby using the smart ring deviceor an external electronic deviceconnected to the smart ring device.

210 200 210 200 210 200 210 240 200 210 200 200 210 200 200 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, in a case that the processoris in a state in which a wearable device distinct from the smart ring deviceis worn on a hand (e.g., a wrist), the processormay compare a value for acceleration identified by the wearable device with a value for acceleration identified by the smart ring device. The processormay identify the hand wearing the smart ring device, based on the comparison. For example, the processormay receive information on the hand wearing the wearable device from the wearable device or an external electronic device (e.g., a smartphone) communicatively connected to the wearable device. The information on the hand wearing the wearable device may be in a state of being stored in the memoryof the smart ring device. For example, in a case that the wearable device is worn on a right hand, the processormay identify that the smart ring deviceis worn on the right hand, based on identifying that the value for the acceleration identified by the wearable device corresponds to the value for the acceleration identified by the smart ring device. For example, in a case that the wearable device is worn on the right hand, the processormay identify that the smart ring deviceis worn on a left hand, based on identifying that the value for the acceleration identified by the wearable device is distinct from the value for the acceleration identified by the smart ring device.

200 210 200 210 200 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, in a case that the wearable device distinct from the smart ring deviceis in a state of being worn on a hand (e.g., a wrist), the processormay compare a waveform with respect to a heart rate identified by the wearable device with a waveform with respect to a heart rate identified by the smart ring device. The processormay identify the hand wearing the smart ring device, based on the comparison.

210 200 240 200 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the processormay store the information on the hand wearing the smart ring devicein the memory, based on obtaining the information on the hand wearing the smart ring device.

1240 210 300 200 210 300 200 200 300 200 200 200 200 200 200 In operation, the processormay transmit, to the external electronic device, the information on the hand wearing the smart ring device. The processormay transmit, to the external electronic device, the information on the hand wearing the smart ring deviceand information on a rotation input of the smart ring device. For example, the external electronic devicemay perform a function according to the rotation input based on the information on the hand wearing the smart ring deviceand the information on the rotation input of the smart ring device. For example, in a case that the smart ring deviceis worn on the left hand, a first function may be performed based on the information on the rotation input of the smart ring device. For example, in a case that the smart ring deviceis worn on the right hand, a second function distinct from the first function may be performed based on the information on the rotation input of the smart ring device.

210 300 200 200 210 300 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the processormay generate a control signal that causes the external electronic deviceto perform a function, based on the information on the hand wearing the smart ring deviceand the information on the rotation input of the smart ring device. The processormay transmit the generated control signal to the external electronic device.

13 FIG. illustrates a screen representing a wearing direction of a smart ring device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

13 FIG. 200 1300 210 200 200 210 200 Referring to, a smart ring devicemay be in a state of being connected with an external electronic deviceincluding a display. A processorof the smart ring devicemay identify that the smart ring deviceis worn by a user. The processormay identify a wearing direction of the smart ring device.

210 1300 200 1300 200 200 200 1300 1300 1310 200 The processormay transmit, to the external electronic device, information on the wearing direction of the smart ring device. The external electronic devicemay receive, from the smart ring device, the information on the wearing direction of the smart ring device. Based on the information on the wearing direction of the smart ring device, the external electronic devicemay display, through the display of the external electronic device, a screenrepresenting the wearing of the smart ring device.

1310 1312 200 1310 200 200 1300 1300 1300 1311 200 The screenmay include a visual objectrepresenting the wearing (or the wearing direction) of the smart ring device. Although not illustrated, the screenmay further include text for representing the wearing direction of the smart ring deviceor the wearing (or the wearing direction) of the smart ring device. The external electronic devicemay display, through the display, a status bar representing an overall state of the external electronic device. In the status bar, the external electronic devicemay display a visual objectrepresenting that the smart ring deviceis worn.

1310 1300 1300 1320 200 1320 1321 200 1321 1322 1323 200 1320 After the screenis displayed, the external electronic devicemay identify wearable devices worn on the user's body. The external electronic devicemay display a screenfor representing the wearable devices worn on the user's body. For example, in a case that the user is in a state of wearing a watch-shaped wearable device and the smart ring deviceon one hand, the screenmay include a visual objectrepresenting the hand (or a wrist) on which the watch-shaped wearable device and the smart ring deviceare worn. The visual objectmay include a visual objectfor representing the watch-shaped wearable device and a visual objectfor representing the smart ring device. Although not illustrated, the screenmay further include text representing a list of the wearable devices worn by the user.

14 FIG.A illustrates circuitry including a plurality of antennas for changing a direction of a radiated signal according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

14 FIG.B illustrates a signal radiated from a smart ring device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

14 14 FIGS.A andB 200 220 1410 1421 1422 220 1410 1410 220 1421 1422 Referring to, a smart ring devicemay include communication circuitry, a radio frequency front end (RFFE), a first antenna, and a second antenna. The communication circuitrymay be connected to the RFFE. By controlling the RFFE, the communication circuitrymay radiate a signal using at least one of the first antennaand/or the second antenna.

1421 1451 213 1422 1452 214 201 200 1421 1422 201 200 For example, the first antennamay be formed (or disposed) to radiate a signal in a directionin which a first side surfacefaces. The second antennamay be formed (or disposed) to radiate a signal in a directionin which a second side surfacefaces. For example, a housingof the smart ring devicemay be formed of metal. Therefore, the first antennaand the second antennamay be configured using at least a part (e.g., a segmented part) of the housingof the smart ring device.

220 220 1421 1422 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the communication circuitrymay include a near field communication (NFC) IC. The communication circuitrymay radiate an NFC signal through at least one of the first antennaand/or the second antenna.

210 200 210 200 213 214 210 1421 213 1421 1451 200 200 210 14 FIG.B A processormay identify a wearing direction of the smart ring device. The processormay identify a surface facing a fingertip (or a nail) of a finger in a state in which the smart ring deviceis worn as one of the first side surfaceand the second side surface. As illustrated in, the processormay radiate an NFC signal through the first antennabased on identifying that the first side surfacefaces the fingertip (or the nail) of the finger. The NFC signal radiated through the first antennamay be radiated in the direction. For example, the NFC signal may be used for payment. A user of the smart ring devicemay perform payment for a product by raising the finger on which the smart ring deviceis worn and transmitting the NFC signal to an external electronic device for payment. The processormay radiate the NFC signal based on identifying that the user's finger faces the external electronic device for payment.

200 210 1421 200 210 1422 As an example, in a state in which the smart ring deviceis worn in a first direction, the processormay radiate the NFC signal through the first antennabased on identifying that the user's finger faces the external electronic device for payment. As an example, in a state in which the smart ring deviceis worn in a second direction, the processormay radiate the NFC signal through the second antennabased on identifying that the user's finger faces the external electronic device for payment.

200 1421 1422 200 1421 1422 210 1421 1422 Although not illustrated, the smart ring devicemay include a plurality of antennas including the first antennaand the second antenna. Each of the plurality of antennas may be used for different radio access technologies (RATs) (e.g., NFC, Bluetooth communication, cellular communication, or wireless LAN communication). The plurality of antennas may be selectively used based on the wearing direction of the smart ring device. For example, in a case that the first antennafaces the fingertip of the finger and the second antennafaces a wrist, the processormay use the first antennafor NCF communication and/or cellular communication, and may use the second antennafor Bluetooth communication and/or wireless LAN communication for a connection with a watch-shaped wearable device worn on the wrist or an external electronic device (e.g., a smartphone).

15 FIG. illustrates an example in which a smart ring device is connected to an external electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

15 FIG. 15 FIG. 200 300 200 300 200 300 300 200 300 300 300 Referring to, a smart ring devicemay be connected to an external electronic device. For example, the smart ring devicemay be connected to the external electronic deviceusing a short-range wireless communication technique. For example, the smart ring devicemay be fastened to the external electronic devicethrough a physical structure. Although not illustrated, the external electronic devicemay include the physical structure for fastening the smart ring device. Althoughillustrates that the external electronic devicehas a shape of a smartphone, but is not limited thereto. The external electronic devicemay include a device configured in various shapes. For example, the external electronic devicemay include a wearable device, a smart watch, or a wireless earphone for providing augmented reality (AR) and/or virtual reality (VR).

200 300 200 300 200 210 200 300 220 300 310 300 300 300 Based on at least one of the above-described connection methods, the smart ring devicemay establish a connection with the external electronic device. In a state in which the smart ring deviceand the external electronic deviceare connected, the smart ring device(or a processorof the smart ring device) may transmit information on a rotation input to the external electronic devicethrough communication circuitry. The external electronic device(or a processorof the external electronic device) may perform an operation mapped to the rotation input based on the information on the rotation input. For example, based on the rotation input, the external electronic devicemay control a screen displayed through a display of the external electronic device.

300 200 200 200 200 200 300 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, when transmitting the information on the rotation input to the external electronic device, the smart ring devicemay transmit information on a wearing direction of the smart ring devicetogether. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the smart ring devicemay generate a control signal according to the rotation input based on the wearing direction of the smart ring device. The smart ring devicemay transmit the control signal to the external electronic device.

200 300 200 300 200 300 300 200 300 300 200 300 310 300 200 300 300 300 300 200 300 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the smart ring devicemay set a function of the external electronic devicemapped to the rotation input of the smart ring devicebased on establishing the connection with the external electronic device. For example, the smart ring devicemay identify capability information of the external electronic devicewhen establishing the connection with the external electronic device. The smart ring devicemay obtain information on at least one of a form (or a shape) of the external electronic device, an application requiring control, a screen size, and a service type. Based on the information on at least one of the form (or the shape) of the external electronic device, the application requiring control, the screen size, and the service type, the smart ring devicemay set the function of the external electronic devicemapped to the rotation input. The above-described operation may be performed by the processorof the external electronic deviceor by a processor of another external electronic device connected to the smart ring deviceand the external electronic device. As an example, in a case that the external electronic devicehas a watch shape, the another external electronic device (e.g., a smartphone) may perform a role as a primary device (or a master processor). The another external electronic device may identify the capability information of the external electronic deviceand set the function of the external electronic devicemapped to the rotation input. Hereinafter, an example in which an operation of the smart ring deviceand the external electronic deviceis controlled through the another external electronic device will be described.

200 300 310 300 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the another external electronic device may control the smart ring deviceand the external electronic device. A processor of the another external electronic device may be referred to as a first processor. The processorof the external electronic devicemay be referred to as a second processor. For example, the second processor may perform a command according to a determination and a control operation of the first processor. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the first processor and the second processor, which are in a state of being included in the same physical device, may be logically distinguished.

200 300 200 300 230 200 200 300 230 200 300 200 200 230 300 For example, the smart ring devicemay establish the connection with the external electronic device. The smart ring devicemay transmit, to the external electronic device, information obtained through a sensorof the smart ring device. In a case that the smart ring devicetransmits, to the external electronic device(or the second processor), the information obtained through the sensorof the smart ring device, and the external electronic deviceprocesses the received information, battery consumption of the smart ring devicemay be reduced. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the smart ring devicemay perform processing of the information obtained through the sensor, and transmit the processed information to the external electronic device.

200 300 230 200 300 300 230 200 As described above, when the connection between the smart ring deviceand the external electronic device(or the second processor) is completed, the information obtained through the sensorof the smart ring devicemay be transmitted to the external electronic device. When a connection with the another external electronic device is completed, the external electronic devicemay notify the another external electronic device that the information obtained through the sensorof the smart ring deviceis being received.

300 300 300 200 200 300 300 200 300 The another external electronic device (or the first processor) may identify the capability information of the external electronic device(or the second processor) (e.g., the information on at least one of the form (or the shape) of the external electronic device, the application requiring control, the screen size, and the service type), and functional information of the external electronic device. The smart ring devicemay determine input value resolution according to the rotation input of the smart ring devicebased on the capability information of the external electronic deviceand the functional information of the external electronic device. For example, the input value resolution may mean a ratio of an input value that is changed in correspondence with an amount of change in a sensor value of the smart ring devicein the external electronic device.

300 330 300 200 300 215 200 300 300 215 200 300 For example, the external electronic devicemay control scrolling of a screen displayed through a displayof the external electronic devicebased on a sensor value for the rotation input of the smart ring device. As an example, the external electronic devicemay receive a sensor value representing that a structureof the smart ring devicerotates by 180 degrees. The external electronic devicemay set the screen to be scrolled according to a ratio corresponding to one page, based on the sensor value. In a case that the external electronic devicereceives a sensor value representing that the structureof the smart ring devicerotates by 90 degrees, the external electronic devicemay scroll the screen according to a ratio corresponding to a half page, based on the sensor value.

300 215 200 215 200 300 For example, in a case that 100 icons are included in an application list, the external electronic devicemay set an indication to be switched to a next icon whenever the structureof the smart ring devicerotates by 5 degrees. In a case that the structureof the smart ring deviceis rotated by 50 degrees, the external electronic devicemay provide a user interface in which an indication of 10 icons is switched.

300 300 200 300 200 215 215 200 215 200 300 For example, the external electronic devicemay provide a video editor function. The external electronic devicemay scroll a video frame based on the rotation input of the smart ring device. The external electronic devicemay set to display a main frame (e.g., an I frame or a frame including a main object of interest) according to the rotation input of the smart ring device. As switching all frames of a video according to a rotation angle of the structuremay cause inconvenience to the user, main frames may be switched based on a rotation angle range of the structureof the smart ring device. As an example, in a case that the rotation angle range of the structureof the smart ring deviceis 0 to 5 degrees, the external electronic devicemay set a first I frame to be displayed. Therefore, I frames may be switched based on a specified rotation angle range.

300 330 300 215 200 215 200 300 215 200 For example, the external electronic devicemay control scrolling of the screen displayed through the displayof the external electronic devicebased on rotation speed of the structureof the smart ring device. As an example, scrolling speed of the screen may be set according to the rotation speed of the structureof the smart ring device. For example, the external electronic devicemay set speed at which an indication of icons is switched, based on the rotation speed of the structureof the smart ring device.

300 300 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the another external electronic device (or the first processor) may determine input value resolution of the external electronic device(or the second processor). For example, the another external electronic device (or the first processor) may determine the input value resolution of the external electronic device(or the second processor) based on at least one of a possible input value range, the number of scrolling target items (e.g., icons), or a range input value.

16 FIG. illustrates a flowchart related to an operation of a smart ring device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

In the following embodiment of the disclosure, each of operations may be sequentially performed, but is not necessarily performed sequentially. For example, an order of each of the operations may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel.

16 FIG. 1610 210 200 200 200 Referring to, in operation, a processorof a smart ring devicemay set an operation mode of the smart ring deviceto an operation mode for identifying a wearing direction of the smart ring device.

1620 210 200 210 200 200 In operation, the processormay identify whether the smart ring deviceis worn. For example, the processormay identify whether the smart ring deviceis worn in the operation mode for identifying the wearing direction of the smart ring device.

210 200 233 400 210 200 233 400 For example, the processormay identify whether the smart ring deviceis worn, by using a PPG sensor(or a light receiving circuit). The processormay identify the wearing direction of the smart ring deviceusing the PPG sensor(or the light receiving circuit).

200 1620 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, in a case that the smart ring deviceis not worn, the operationmay be performed based on a specified time period.

1630 200 210 300 200 210 300 200 200 In operation, in a case that the smart ring deviceis worn, the processormay identify whether an external electronic deviceto be controlled through the smart ring deviceexists. For example, the processormay identify whether the external electronic deviceto be controlled through the smart ring deviceexists, based on identifying that the smart ring deviceis worn by a user.

1640 300 200 210 300 210 215 200 201 200 In operation, in a case that the external electronic deviceto be controlled through the smart ring deviceexists, the processormay transmit a control signal to the external electronic devicebased on a rotation input. The processormay identify the rotation input. As an example, the rotation input may be identified based on rotation of a structureof the smart ring device. As an example, the rotation input may be identified based on a touch input maintained along a specified direction on a housingof the smart ring device.

210 300 210 300 300 210 300 200 210 300 300 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the processormay identify a function of the external electronic devicemapped to the rotation input. The processormay transmit the control signal to the external electronic deviceto perform the function of the external electronic devicemapped to the rotation input. For example, the processormay identify the function of the external electronic devicemapped to the rotation input based on the wearing direction of the smart ring device. The processormay transmit, to the external electronic device, the control signal for controlling the external electronic deviceto perform the identified function.

210 300 200 300 300 200 300 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the processormay transmit, to the external electronic device, information on the wearing direction of the smart ring deviceand information on the rotation input. The external electronic devicemay identify the function of the external electronic devicecorresponding to the rotation input based on the information on the wearing direction of the smart ring device. The external electronic devicemay perform the identified function.

1650 300 200 210 200 In operation, in a case that the external electronic deviceto be controlled through the smart ring devicedoes not exist, the processormay perform a function assigned to the smart ring devicebased on the rotation input.

210 200 210 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the processormay identify a function of the smart ring devicemapped to the rotation input. The processormay perform the identified function based on the rotation input.

17 FIG.A illustrates a scroll input through a smart ring device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

17 FIG.B illustrates a scroll input through a smart ring device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

17 17 FIGS.A andB 200 300 330 200 1710 1720 330 300 215 200 201 200 Referring to, a smart ring devicemay be connected to an external electronic deviceincluding a display. Based on a rotation input of the smart ring device, a screen (e.g., a screenor a screen) displayed on the displayof the external electronic devicemay be scrolled. For example, the rotation input may be identified based on rotation with respect to a structureof the smart ring device, For example, the rotation input may be identified based on a touch input maintained along a specified direction on a housingof the smart ring device.

17 FIG.A 200 200 213 200 200 Referring to, the smart ring devicemay be worn in a first direction. For example, in a state of being worn in the first direction, the smart ring devicemay identify a rotation input. For example, a direction in which a first side surfaceof the smart ring devicefaces may face a nail of a finger on which the smart ring deviceis worn.

200 1701 210 300 200 210 300 1710 For example, in a state in which the smart ring deviceis worn in the first direction, a rotation input may be identified based on a direction. A processormay identify a function of the external electronic deviceaccording to the identified rotation input based on a wearing direction of the smart ring device. The processormay set the function of the external electronic deviceaccording to the identified rotation input to a scroll down function of the screen. However, it is not limited thereto.

200 1702 210 300 200 210 300 1710 For example, in a state in which the smart ring deviceis worn in the first direction, a rotation input may be identified based on a direction. The processormay identify a function of the external electronic deviceaccording to the identified rotation input based on the wearing direction of the smart ring device, The processormay set the function of the external electronic deviceaccording to the identified rotation input to a scroll up function of the screen. However, it is not limited thereto.

17 FIG.B 200 200 214 200 200 Referring to, the smart ring devicemay be worn in a second direction. For example, in a state of being worn in the second direction, the smart ring devicemay identify a rotation input. A direction in which a second side surfaceof the smart ring devicefaces may face the nail of the finger on which the smart ring deviceis worn.

200 1701 210 300 200 210 300 1720 For example, in a state in which the smart ring deviceis worn in the second direction, a rotation input may be identified based on the direction. The processormay identify a function of the external electronic deviceaccording to the identified rotation input based on the wearing direction of the smart ring device. The processormay set the function of the external electronic deviceaccording to the identified rotation input to a scroll down function of the screen. However, it is not limited thereto.

200 1702 210 300 200 210 300 1720 For example, in a state in which the smart ring deviceis worn in the second direction, a rotation input may be identified based on the direction. The processormay identify a function of the external electronic deviceaccording to the identified rotation input based on the wearing direction of the smart ring device. The processormay set the function of the external electronic deviceaccording to the identified rotation input to a scroll up function of the screen. However, it is not limited thereto.

17 17 FIGS.A andB 200 210 300 200 200 300 Referring to, even when directions of the rotation input are opposite to each other according to the wearing direction of the smart ring device, the processormay transmit, to the external electronic device, information on a rotation input changed based on the wearing direction of the smart ring device. Therefore, even when the smart ring deviceis worn in any direction, the external electronic devicemay perform the same function in response to a rotation input according to the same gesture of the user.

210 231 200 210 200 200 200 Although not illustrated, the processormay determine (or identify) a posture using an acceleration sensorof the smart ring device. The processormay determine (or set) a scroll direction based on the posture of the smart ring device. For example, based on identifying that the posture of the smart ring deviceis a first posture, up or down scrolling may be performed according to a rotation input. For example, based on identifying that the posture of the smart ring deviceis a second posture, left or right scrolling may be performed according to a rotation input.

18 FIG. illustrates a rotation input through a smart ring device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

18 FIG. 200 200 1811 1812 215 1811 1812 1811 1812 1811 1812 Referring to, a smart ring devicemay identify a rotation input. For example, the smart ring devicemay identify a first rotation input based on one of a directionand a direction. For example, the first rotation input may be identified based on rotation of a structurealong one of the directionand the direction. For example, the first rotation input may be identified based on a touch input maintained along one of the directionand the direction. For example, the directionmay be referred to as clockwise. The directionmay be referred to as counterclockwise.

200 300 300 300 330 1801 1802 1801 1802 1801 1802 The smart ring devicemay be in a state of being connected with an external electronic device. The external electronic devicemay be configured in a watch shape. The external electronic devicemay include a wheel key rotatable along a circular display. The wheel key may rotate in one of a directionand a direction. Based on the rotation of the wheel key along one of the directionand the direction, a second rotation input may be identified. For example, the directionmay be referred to as clockwise. The directionmay be referred to as counterclockwise.

1811 1801 300 1811 300 1801 300 1811 1801 For example, the first rotation input along the directionmay correspond to the second rotation input along the direction. A function of the external electronic deviceperformed based on the first rotation input along the directionmay correspond to a function of the external electronic deviceperformed based on the second rotation input along the direction. The function of the external electronic deviceperformed based on the first rotation input along the directionand/or the second rotation input along the directionmay be set to one of scroll down and scroll right.

1812 1802 300 1812 300 1802 300 1812 1802 For example, the first rotation input along the directionmay correspond to the second rotation input along the direction. A function of the external electronic deviceperformed based on the first rotation input along the directionmay correspond to a function of the external electronic deviceperformed based on the second rotation input along the direction. The function of the external electronic deviceperformed based on the first rotation input along the directionand/or the second rotation input along the directionmay be set to one of scroll up and scroll left.

1861 330 300 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, while a screenis displayed through the displayof the external electronic device, a screen may be changed based on the first rotation input and/or the second rotation input. For example, when the screen is changed based on the first rotation input and/or the second rotation input, a visual effect representing that the screen is changed along a horizontal direction may be displayed together.

1811 1801 330 300 1821 1811 1801 330 300 1861 1862 1863 1864 1821 1864 1861 1811 1801 Based on the first rotation input along the directionand/or the second rotation input along the direction, a screen displayed through the displayof the external electronic devicemay be changed along a direction. For example, based on the first rotation input along the directionand/or the second rotation input along the direction, the screen displayed through the displayof the external electronic devicemay be changed in an order of the screen, a screen, a screen, and a screenalong the direction. After the screenis displayed, the screenmay be displayed again based on the first rotation input along the directionand/or the second rotation input along the direction.

1812 1802 330 300 1822 1812 1802 330 300 1861 1864 1863 1862 1822 1862 1861 1812 1802 Based on the first rotation input along the directionand/or the second rotation input along the direction, a screen displayed through the displayof the external electronic devicemay be changed along a direction. For example, based on the first rotation input along the directionand/or the second rotation input along the direction, the screen displayed through the displayof the external electronic devicemay be changed in an order of the screen, the screen, the screen, and the screenalong the direction. After the screenis displayed, the screenmay be displayed based on the first rotation input along the directionand/or the second rotation input along the direction.

1871 330 300 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, while a screenis displayed through the displayof the external electronic device, a screen may be changed based on the first rotation input and/or the second rotation input. For example, when the screen is changed based on the first rotation input and/or the second rotation input, a visual effect representing that the screen is changed along a vertical direction may be displayed together.

1811 1801 330 300 1831 1811 1801 330 300 1871 1872 1873 1874 1875 1876 1877 1831 1877 1871 1811 1801 Based on the first rotation input along the directionand/or the second rotation input along the direction, a screen displayed through the displayof the external electronic devicemay be changed along the direction. For example, based on the first rotation input along the directionand/or the second rotation input along the direction, the screen displayed through the displayof the external electronic devicemay be changed in an order of the screen, a screen, a screen, a screen, a screen, a screen, and a screenalong a direction. After the screenis displayed, the screenmay be displayed again based on the first rotation input along the directionand/or the second rotation input along the direction.

1812 1802 330 300 1832 1812 1802 330 300 1871 1877 1876 1875 1874 1873 1872 1832 1872 1871 1812 1802 Based on the first rotation input along the directionand/or the second rotation input along the direction, a screen displayed through the displayof the external electronic devicemay be changed along the direction. For example, based on the first rotation input along the directionand/or the second rotation input along the direction, the screen displayed through the displayof the external electronic devicemay be changed in an order of the screen, the screen, the screen, the screen, the screen, the screen, and the screenalong the direction. After the screenis displayed, the screenmay be displayed again based on the first rotation input along the directionand/or the second rotation input along the direction.

200 200 300 200 210 200 Although not illustrated, the smart ring devicemay perform an operation similar to the above-described operation even in a state of not being worn by a user. For example, even in a state in which the smart ring deviceis placed on a floor or is supported by an external object, a function of the external electronic devicecorresponding to the rotation input identified in the smart ring devicemay be performed. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a processormay identify a direction of the rotation input based on a wearing direction (or orientation) of the smart ring device.

330 300 200 300 200 Although not illustrated, the screen displayed through the displayof the external electronic devicemay further include a visual object representing a connection with the smart ring deviceand that an operation of the external electronic deviceis controlled by the smart ring device.

19 FIG. illustrates an operation for identifying a wearing direction of a smart ring device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

19 FIG. 200 200 200 200 200 Referring to, as a wearing direction of a smart ring deviceis not fixed, even when a user performs the same operation according to the wearing direction, the smart ring devicemay determine as a different rotation input. For example, in a case that the smart ring deviceis worn on the user's finger, a rotation input may be changed according to whether a hand wearing the smart ring deviceis a left hand or a right hand. For example, the rotation input may be changed according to the wearing direction of the smart ring device.

210 200 200 231 232 210 200 200 231 232 210 200 231 232 210 200 210 213 210 214 213 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a processorof the smart ring devicemay identify the wearing direction of the smart ring deviceby using an acceleration sensorand/or a gyro sensor. For example, the processormay identify the hand wearing the smart ring deviceand/or the wearing direction of the smart ring deviceby using the acceleration sensorand/or the gyro sensor. The processormay identify the wearing direction of the smart ring devicebased on identifying a gravity direction using the acceleration sensorand/or the gyro sensor. The processormay set three axes (e.g., an x-axis, a y-axis, and a z-axis) based on the smart ring device. The processormay set a direction in which a first side surfacefaces as the z-axis. The processormay set a direction in which a second side surfaceopposite to the first side surfacefaces as a −z axis.

210 1901 1902 1903 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the processormay request to sequentially take a posture, a posture, and a posture.

210 1901 210 200 200 1901 213 200 210 200 213 5 FIG.A The processormay request the user to take the posture. For example, the processormay request the user to take an attention posture together with the hand wearing the smart ring device. In a case that the smart ring deviceis worn in a first direction as illustrated in, in the posture, a z-axis direction, which is the direction in which the first side surfaceof the smart ring devicefaces, may correspond to the gravity direction. The processormay identify the wearing direction of the smart ring devicebased on identifying that the z-axis direction, which is the direction in which the first side surfacefaces, corresponds to the gravity direction.

200 210 1902 210 200 1902 200 210 210 210 200 After identifying the wearing direction of the smart ring device, the processormay request the user to take the posture. For example, the processormay request the user to place the hand wearing the smart ring devicedown toward a desk. In the posture, a −y-axis direction identified by the smart ring devicemay correspond to the gravity direction. Based on the processoridentifying that the −y-axis direction corresponds to the gravity direction, the processormay identify an angle at which the y-axis is rotated based on the gravity direction. The processormay identify a wearing state of the smart ring devicebased on the identified angle.

210 200 210 1903 210 1903 200 210 1902 1903 210 210 200 1902 1903 210 200 1902 1903 210 200 After the processoridentifies the wearing state of the smart ring device, the processormay request the user to take the posture. For example, the processormay request a palm to be turned upward. In the posture, a y-axis direction identified by the smart ring devicemay correspond to the gravity direction. The processormay identify a direction in which the z-axis is rotated (e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise) while the user's posture changes from the postureto the posture. The processormay identify a yaw value based on the direction in which the z-axis is rotated. Based on the yaw value, the processormay identify the hand on which the smart ring deviceis worn as one of the left hand and the right hand. As an example, while the user's posture is changed from the postureto the posture, the processormay identify the hand on which the smart ring deviceis worn as the left hand, based on identifying that the z-axis rotates counterclockwise. As an example, while the user's posture is changed from the postureto the posture, the processormay identify the hand on which the smart ring deviceis worn as the right hand based on identifying that the z-axis rotates clockwise.

210 200 200 210 200 200 Based on the above-described operations, the processormay identify the hand wearing the smart ring deviceand/or the wearing direction of the smart ring device. The processormay identify a direction of the rotation input based on the hand wearing the smart ring deviceand/or the wearing direction of the smart ring device.

200 210 231 232 210 213 210 231 232 210 214 Although not illustrated, in a case that the smart ring deviceis placed on the ground, the processormay identify whether a direction of the z-axis corresponds to the gravity direction, by using the acceleration sensorand/or the gyro sensor. The processormay identify that the first side surfacefaces the ground based on identifying that the direction of the z-axis corresponds to the gravity direction. The processormay identify whether the direction of the z-axis is opposite to the gravity direction, by using the acceleration sensorand/or the gyro sensor. The processormay identify that the second side surfacefaces the ground based on identifying that the direction of the z-axis is opposite to the gravity direction.

210 215 201 233 For example, the processormay identify (or estimate) the direction of the rotation input based on a phase difference between a structureand a housing, a swipe input to a ring, information on the z-axis rotation (e.g., the yaw value), or information on a phase difference of a signal pattern identified by a PPG sensor.

210 210 300 300 330 210 300 300 330 According to the above-described embodiment of the disclosure, the processormay identify the direction of the rotation input and perform a function mapped to the identified direction of the rotation input. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the processormay transmit raw data to an external electronic device. Based on the raw data, the external electronic devicemay control a screen displayed on a display. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the processormay transmit, to the external electronic device, information on the rotation input (e.g., a rotation direction or rotation speed) identified based on the raw data. The external electronic devicemay control the screen displayed on the displaybased on the information on the rotation input.

210 210 240 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the processormay request the user to perform the rotation input in a specified direction. The processormay store the direction of the rotation input in the memorybased on the rotation input received from the user.

20 FIG. illustrates an example in which a smart ring device is connected to an external electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

20 FIG. 300 300 200 300 Referring to, an external electronic devicemay provide an AR service and/or a VR service. For example, the external electronic devicemay be referred to as a head mounted display (HMD) device. For example, a rotation input of a smart ring devicemay be used for an input of the external electronic device.

300 300 300 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the external electronic devicemay include an input device in a wheel-type input device or another type of input device for receiving a rotation input type of a user. For example, the external electronic devicemay include a physical button, a touch input device, or a pressure input device. Although the physical button, the touch input device, or the pressure input device may not directly provide a rotational-type input, the external electronic devicemay convert an input identified by the physical button, the touch input device, or the pressure input device, by software processing, into a rotation input.

300 300 300 As an example, the external electronic devicemay identify the number of times that a press input of the physical button is identified as an input according to rotation of a wheel. As an example, the external electronic devicemay convert a slide input identified in a touch input region into the rotation of the wheel for the rotation input and a rotation speed value. As an example, the external electronic devicemay convert an area, pressure intensity, and holding time of a pressure input identified by the pressure input device into a rotation amount and a rotation speed value of the wheel.

300 300 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the external electronic devicemay include at least one of a dial, a jog shuttle, and a rotation input device. The external electronic devicemay identify a rotation amount and/or rotation speed by using at least one of the dial, the jog shuttle, and the rotation input device. The external electronic device may convert the rotation input into an input of another input device based on the rotation amount and/or the rotation speed.

300 300 300 300 300 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the external electronic devicemay include various input units for receiving a rotation input. For example, the external electronic devicemay include a wheel input device for controlling a volume. For example, the external electronic devicemay include a wheel input device for adjusting a pupil distance. For example, the external electronic devicemay include a wheel input device for adjusting elasticity of a band that controls the external electronic deviceto fit closely to the user's head.

300 300 300 300 300 For example, the external electronic devicemay include a wheel input device for adjusting an immersion level of a virtual environment. As an example, the external electronic devicemay change a degree of expression of an image displayed on a screen based on an amount of rotation input. The external electronic devicemay change a ratio between an input image identified through a camera and an image for the virtual environment displayed on the screen based on rotation of the wheel input device. As an example, the external electronic devicemay change transparency of contents in a region excluding a content in a region at which the user gazes, based on the wheel input device. The external electronic devicemay increase a sense of immersion of the user by changing the transparency of the contents in the region excluding the content in the region at which the user gazes.

300 200 300 200 300 200 300 At least one of rotation inputs through various wheel input devices included in the external electronic devicedescribed above may be provided through the rotation input of the smart ring device. For example, at least a part of the rotation inputs through various wheel input devices included in the external electronic devicemay be performed based on the rotation input of the smart ring device. The user may control the external electronic devicebased on the rotation input of the smart ring devicewithout moving a hand to the external electronic device.

200 300 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a function according to the rotation input of the smart ring devicemay be performed in association with at least one of the user's gaze, the user's voice command, and/or the user's gesture identified in the external electronic device.

300 200 300 For example, the external electronic devicemay identify the rotation input of the smart ring devicewhile the user looks at a volume adjustment icon. The external electronic devicemay change a size of the volume based on the rotation input identified while the user looks at the volume adjustment icon.

300 200 300 For example, the external electronic devicemay identify the rotation input of the smart ring devicewhile the user gazes at a photograph displayed on the screen. The external electronic devicemay perform one of enlargement and/or reduction of the photograph based on the rotation input identified while the user gazes at the photograph displayed on the screen.

300 200 300 200 For example, the external electronic devicemay identify the rotation input of the smart ring devicetogether with a voice command, such as “immersion adjustment,” from the user. The external electronic devicemay adjust various factors for adjusting a sense of immersion based on the voice command and the rotation input of the smart ring device.

300 200 300 200 In the above-described embodiment of the disclosure, an example in which a function corresponding to the input of the physical button of the external electronic deviceis provided through the rotation input of the smart ring devicehas been described, but it is not limited thereto. For example, a function provided in the screen provided by the external electronic devicemay be performed based on the rotation input of the smart ring device.

200 300 200 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, based on the rotation input of the smart ring device, a function corresponding to an input of various buttons of the external electronic devicemay be performed. As described above, the rotation input of the smart ring devicemay be converted into another type of input. As an example, in a case that the rotation input is converted into the pressure input, a rotation amount and rotation speed related to the rotation input may be converted into pressure intensity (or a pressure amount) and input speed of a button, respectively. As an example, in a case that the rotation input is converted into the touch input (or a swipe input), the rotation amount and the rotation speed related to the rotation input may be converted into a movement region and movement speed of a touch, respectively.

300 200 200 As described above, a specified function of the external electronic devicedirectly or indirectly connected to the smart ring devicemay be performed based on the rotation input of the smart ring device.

300 200 200 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the touch input device may be disposed on a part of a housing of the external electronic deviceexposed to the outside. At least a part of functions assigned to the touch input device may be performed based on the rotation input of the smart ring device. For example, a scroll operation, an image enlargement operation, and an image reduction operation through the touch input may be performed based on the rotation input of the smart ring device.

21 FIG.A illustrates a connection between a smart ring device and an external electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

21 FIG.B illustrates a connection between a smart ring device and an external electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

21 21 FIGS.A andB 210 200 300 210 200 300 200 233 210 300 233 210 300 Referring to, a processorof a smart ring devicemay establish a connection with an external electronic device. The processorof the smart ring devicemay provide a user with a notification representing the connection with the external electronic device. For example, the smart ring devicemay include at least one of a sensor (e.g., a PPG sensoror an LED) including a light emitter, a speaker, or a vibration actuator. The processormay provide the notification representing the connection with the external electronic deviceby using at least one of the sensor (e.g., the PPG sensoror the LED) including the light emitter, the speaker, or the vibration actuator. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the processormay provide a notification based on a connection with two or more external devices including the external electronic device.

21 FIG.A 200 2105 204 212 210 300 Referring to, the smart ring devicemay include a sensordisposed in an external housing portion(or a second surface) and including a light emitter. The processormay emit light of a specified color through the light emitter in response to establishing the connection with the external electronic device.

21 FIG.B 200 2107 203 211 210 300 200 203 200 2107 200 210 2107 203 Referring to, the smart ring devicemay include a sensordisposed in an inner housing portion(or a first surface) and including a light emitter. The processormay emit light of a specified color through the light emitter in response to establishing the connection with the external electronic device. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, in a case that the smart ring deviceincluding the sensor disposed in the inner housing portionis worn by the user, light emitted from the sensor may not be recognized by the user. Therefore, in a case of being worn by the user, the smart ring devicemay not emit light using the sensor. When the smart ring deviceis in a state of not being worn or operates by being coupled (or attached) to another device, the processormay emit the light of the specified color by using the sensorincluding the light emitter disposed in the inner housing portion.

21 21 FIGS.A andB 200 300 200 300 300 300 illustrate an example in which the notification is outputted from the smart ring devicein a case that the connection with the external electronic deviceis established, but are not limited thereto. The smart ring devicemay output a notification representing that the external electronic deviceis being connected. For example, a color (e.g., red) of light emitted according to the notification representing that the external electronic deviceis being connected may be distinguished from a color (e.g., green) of light emitted according to the notification representing that the connection with the external electronic devicehas been established.

22 FIG. illustrates a connection between a smart ring device and an external electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

23 FIG. illustrates a connection between a smart ring device and an external electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

22 23 FIGS.and 210 200 300 300 200 Referring to, a processorof a smart ring devicemay establish a connection with an external electronic device. The external electronic devicemay provide a user with a notification representing the connection with the smart ring device.

22 FIG. 300 330 300 2210 200 2210 2211 200 2212 200 2211 Referring to, the external electronic devicemay display, through a displayof the external electronic device, a screenrepresenting that the connection with the smart ring devicehas been established. The screenmay include a visual objectcorresponding to the smart ring deviceand textrepresenting that the connection with the smart ring devicehas been established. As an example, the visual objectmay be displayed as a rotating animation.

23 FIG. 300 200 300 300 200 300 200 200 Referring to, the external electronic devicemay output the notification representing that the connection with the smart ring devicehas been established through a speaker (not illustrated) of the external electronic device. The external electronic devicemay output a voice signal representing that the connection with the smart ring devicehas been established. Although not illustrated, the external electronic devicemay provide the notification representing that the connection with the smart ring devicehas been established by using a virtual screen including the smart ring device.

22 23 FIGS.and 300 200 300 200 300 300 200 illustrate a notification is outputted from the external electronic devicein a case that the connection with the smart ring deviceis established, but are not limited thereto. The external electronic devicemay also output a notification representing that the smart ring deviceis being connected. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the external electronic devicemay include at least one of a sensor (e.g., a PPG sensor or an LED) including a light emitter, a speaker, and a vibration actuator. The external electronic devicemay provide the notification representing that the connection with the smart ring devicehas been established by using at least one of the sensor (e.g., the PPG sensor or the LED) including the light emitter, the speaker, or the vibration actuator.

22 23 FIGS.and 21 21 FIGS.A andB 300 200 200 300 200 300 In, an example in which the external electronic deviceprovides the notification representing that the connection with the smart ring devicehas been established has been described, but it is not limited thereto. While the notification representing that the connection with the smart ring devicehas been established is provided by the external electronic device, the smart ring devicemay provide the notification representing the connection with the external electronic deviceas illustrated in.

300 200 300 200 300 200 300 200 Although not illustrated, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, based on the connection between the external electronic deviceand the smart ring devicebeing established, a notification representing that the connection between the external electronic deviceand the smart ring devicehas been established may be provided by another external electronic device. For example, in a case that it is difficult for the external electronic deviceand the smart ring deviceto provide the notification, the notification may be provided through a nearby connectable device or a device (e.g., the another external electronic device) connected to the external electronic deviceand the smart ring device.

24 FIG. illustrates a perspective view of a smart ring device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

24 FIG. 200 2410 2410 233 1 233 200 Referring to, a smart ring devicemay include a first light emitterfor identifying information (e.g., health information) on a user. The first light emittermay be an example of one or more light emitting circuits-of a PPG sensorof the smart ring device.

200 213 214 210 213 214 200 300 200 For example, the smart ring devicemay include a second light emitter (not illustrated) for representing a connection with an external electronic device. Light emitted from the second light emitter (not illustrated) for representing the connection with the external electronic device may be emitted from a first side surfaceand a second side surfacethrough a waveguide structure. A processormay emit light from the first side surfaceand the second side surfaceby using the second light emitter (not illustrated) so that the user of the smart ring devicemay identify that the connection with the external electronic devicehas been established even in a state of wearing the smart ring device.

210 2410 200 210 210 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the processormay control the first light emitterand the second light emitter (not illustrated) according to an operation mode of the smart ring device. For example, the processormay deactivate the second light emitter (not illustrated) while identifying the information (e.g., the health information) on the user. The processormay deactivate the second light emitter (not illustrated) to prevent interference by light emitted through the second light emitter (not illustrated).

25 FIG. illustrates a smart ring device capable of being coupled with an external electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

25 FIG. 200 2501 200 200 2501 1 2501 2 2501 3 2501 4 Referring to, a smart ring devicemay include a plurality of magnetic materials. For example, the smart ring devicemay include four magnetic materials. The smart ring devicemay include a magnetic material-, a magnetic material-, a magnetic material-, and a magnetic material-.

2510 2511 2510 2511 2511 2510 200 2511 2511 2510 200 200 A watch-shaped external electronic devicemay include a Hall IC. An external electronic devicemay identify that a magnetic material is in contact with a surface on which the Hall ICis disposed, based on a signal identified by the Hall IC. The external electronic devicemay identify that the smart ring deviceis in contact with the surface on which the Hall ICis disposed, based on identifying that the magnetic material is in contact with the surface on which the Hall ICis disposed. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the external electronic devicemay establish a connection (e.g., NFC communication connection or Bluetooth communication connection) with the smart ring deviceto identify whether the contacted magnetic material is a magnetic material included in the smart ring device.

2520 2521 2520 2521 2521 2520 200 2521 2521 2520 200 200 An external electronic devicefor providing an AR service and/or a VR service may include a Hall IC. The external electronic devicemay identify that a magnetic material is in contact with a surface on which the Hall ICis disposed, based on a signal identified by the Hall IC. The external electronic devicemay identify that the smart ring deviceis in contact with the surface on which the Hall ICis disposed, based on identifying that the magnetic material is in contact with the surface on which the Hall ICis disposed. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the external electronic devicemay establish a connection (e.g., NFC communication connection or Bluetooth communication connection) with the smart ring deviceto identify whether the contacted magnetic material is a magnetic material included in the smart ring device.

200 2510 2520 200 2510 2520 215 200 2510 2520 215 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the smart ring devicemay provide a rotation input in a state of being in contact with (or attached to) a part of an external electronic device (e.g., the external electronic deviceor the external electronic device). For example, in a state in which the smart ring deviceis in contact with (or attached to) the part of the external electronic device (e.g., the external electronic deviceor the external electronic device), a structureof the smart ring devicemay be rotated. The external electronic device (e.g., the external electronic deviceor the external electronic device) may identify the rotation input based on rotation of the structure.

26 FIG. illustrates a smart ring device capable of being coupled with an external electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

26 FIG. 25 FIG. 200 2610 2610 2612 2610 200 2610 2612 2610 2510 2520 2612 2610 200 Referring to, a smart ring devicemay operate in a state of being in contact with an external electronic device. The external electronic devicemay include a Hall IC. The external electronic devicemay identify that the smart ring deviceapproaches the external electronic deviceby using the Hall IC. The external electronic devicemay correspond to the external electronic deviceor the external electronic deviceof. For example, the Hall ICmay be configured with two or more Hall ICs. The external electronic devicemay identify a direction of a rotation input through the smart ring devicebased on an amount of change in signals obtained from the two or more Hall ICs.

2610 2610 2612 2510 2610 200 2612 2610 25 FIG. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, in a case that the external electronic deviceis configured in a watch shape, in the external electronic device, the Hall ICmay be disposed on a surface corresponding to a display, such as the external electronic deviceof. The external electronic devicemay identify that the smart ring deviceapproaches (or contacts) by using the Hall IC. The external electronic devicemay display, through the display, a screen for guiding an attachment (or a contact) through a shape of the smart ring device.

2610 2611 200 2611 2610 200 2611 2610 200 200 2610 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the external electronic devicemay include a coupling structurefor guiding fastening of the smart ring device. The coupling structuremay include one or more coupling portions. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, in the external electronic device, a magnetic material may be disposed at a position where the smart ring deviceis fastened (or a position where the coupling structureis disposed). Based on the magnetic material of the external electronic deviceand a magnetic material of the smart ring device, the smart ring devicemay be fastened to the external electronic device.

2610 2610 200 2610 270 200 2610 200 2612 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, in a case that the external electronic deviceis a wearable device for providing an AR service and/or a VR service, the external electronic devicemay include a protruding interface in which the smart ring devicedisposed at an upper end or a side surface of the external electronic devicemay be mounted. The protruding interface may be configured to be inserted into a holeof the smart ring device. The external electronic devicemay identify a rotation input (or a rotation direction of the rotation input) of the smart ring deviceby using the Hall IC.

27 FIG. illustrates an operation of a smart ring device, a first external electronic device, and a second external electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

27 FIG. 2711 200 2701 2701 200 Referring to, in operation, a smart ring devicemay establish a connection with a first external electronic device. The first external electronic devicemay establish the connection with the smart ring device.

2712 200 2701 200 2701 200 2701 In operation, the smart ring devicemay request, from the first external electronic device, a connection for a rotation input. The smart ring devicemay transmit a message for requesting the connection for the rotation input to the first external electronic device. The smart ring devicemay request the first external electronic deviceto set an interface for the rotation input based on the message.

2713 2701 200 200 2701 In operation, the first external electronic devicemay transmit, to the smart ring device, a message to acknowledge the connection for the rotation input. The smart ring devicemay receive, from the first external electronic device, the message to acknowledge the connection for the rotation input.

2701 2701 200 For example, the first external electronic devicemay identify whether a processing unit for processing the rotation input exists. The first external electronic devicemay transmit, to the smart ring device, the message to acknowledge the connection for the rotation input based on identifying that the processing unit for processing the rotation input exists.

2714 2701 2701 200 200 200 2701 2701 In operation, the first external electronic devicemay perform a function of the first external electronic deviceaccording to the rotation input of the smart ring device. For example, the smart ring devicemay identify the rotation input. The smart ring devicemay transmit, to the first external electronic device, information on the rotation input. The first external electronic devicemay perform a function mapped to the rotation input based on the information on the rotation input.

200 2701 2701 200 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, in a case of establishing the connection with the smart ring device, the first external electronic devicemay perform a function performed according to the rotation input identified by the first external electronic devicebased on the rotation input of the smart ring device.

2701 200 200 200 2701 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, in a case of establishing the connection with the first external electronic device, the smart ring devicemay not perform a function performed according to the rotation input identified by the smart ring device. The smart ring devicemay transmit the information on the rotation input to the first external electronic device.

200 2701 200 2701 200 2701 2701 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the smart ring deviceand the first external electronic devicemay exchange information using Bluetooth communication. For example, the smart ring deviceand the first external electronic devicemay maintain the connection based on the Bluetooth communication or Bluetooth low energy (BLE) communication. Based on the connection, the smart ring devicemay transmit the information on the rotation input to the first external electronic device, and the first external electronic devicemay perform the function according to the rotation input.

200 2701 2701 2701 200 2701 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the smart ring deviceand the first external electronic devicemay transmit and receive information based on broadcasting without a direct connection. In a case that the broadcasting method is used, the first external electronic devicemay standby in a listening mode. Based on the first external electronic devicestanding by in the listening mode, power consumption for receiving the information on the rotation input transmitted from the smart ring devicemay be reduced in the first external electronic device.

200 2701 2701 200 200 200 2701 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the smart ring devicemay be configured to transmit and receive information with the first external electronic deviceonly at a specified timing (or a specified period). The first external electronic devicemay continuously determine whether the smart ring deviceexists and receive various information from the smart ring device. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the specified timing (or the specified period) at which the smart ring devicetransmits and receives information with the first external electronic devicemay be dynamically changed.

2715 200 2702 2702 200 In operation, the smart ring devicemay establish a connection with a second external electronic device. The second external electronic devicemay establish the connection with the smart ring device.

2716 200 2701 200 2701 2701 200 In operation, the smart ring devicemay request a disconnection for a rotation input from the first external electronic device. For example, the smart ring devicemay transmit, to the first external electronic device, a message for requesting the disconnection for the rotation input. The first external electronic devicemay receive, from the smart ring device, the message for requesting the disconnection for the rotation input.

2717 2701 2701 2701 2701 2701 In operation, the first external electronic devicemay deactivate the function according to the rotation input. For example, in a case that the first external electronic devicedoes not include a device for the rotation input, the processing unit for processing the rotation input included in the first external electronic devicemay be deactivated. For example, in a case that the first external electronic deviceincludes the device for the rotation input, at least one component (e.g., a display) for performing the function with respect to the rotation input identified by the first external electronic devicemay be activated.

2718 200 2702 2718 2712 In operation, the smart ring devicemay request, from the second external electronic device, a connection for a rotation input. The operationmay correspond to the operation.

2719 2702 200 2719 2713 In operation, the second external electronic devicemay transmit, to the smart ring device, a message to acknowledge the connection for the rotation input. The operationmay correspond to the operation.

2720 2702 2702 200 2720 2714 In operation, the second external electronic devicemay perform a function of the second external electronic deviceaccording to the rotation input of the smart ring device. The operationmay correspond to the operation.

28 FIG. illustrates a flowchart related to an operation of an external electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

300 In the following embodiment of the disclosure, each of operations may be sequentially performed, but is not necessarily performed sequentially. For example, an order of each of the operations may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel. Operations described below may be performed in an external electronic device.

28 FIG. 2810 300 310 300 200 300 200 300 200 Referring to, in operation, the external electronic device(or a processorof the external electronic device) may identify approach of a smart ring device. For example, the external electronic devicemay identify the approach of the smart ring deviceby using a Hall IC. The external electronic devicemay identify the approach of the smart ring devicebased on a signal identified through the Hall IC.

2820 300 200 300 200 300 300 200 In operation, the external electronic devicemay identify whether the smart ring deviceis connected. The external electronic devicemay identify whether a surface of the smart ring deviceis in contact with the external electronic device, by using the Hall IC. The external electronic devicemay identify whether the connection with the smart ring devicepositioned within a specified distance has been established.

2830 200 300 In operation, in a case that the smart ring deviceis connected, the external electronic devicemay display a screen based on a first type of user interface. For example, the first type of user interface may include a user interface controllable according to a rotation input.

300 200 200 300 Although not illustrated, the external electronic devicemay identify that the connection with the smart ring deviceis released. Based on identifying that the connection with the smart ring deviceis released, the external electronic devicemay change a screen displayed based on the first type of user interface to a screen displayed based on a second type of user interface.

2840 200 300 In operation, in a case that the smart ring deviceis not connected, the external electronic devicemay display the screen based on the second type of user interface. For example, the second type of user interface may include a user interface controllable according to an input (e.g., a swipe input, a button input, or a pressure input) distinct from the rotation input.

29 FIG. illustrates an operation of a smart ring device and an external electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

29 FIG. 27 FIG. 200 300 300 200 2714 2720 300 200 300 Referring to, a smart ring devicemay be communicatively connected to an external electronic device. In a case that the external electronic deviceand the smart ring deviceare communicatively connected, a series of operations (e.g., the operationor the operationof) performing a part of a function of the external electronic devicemay be performed based on a rotation input of the smart ring device. Based on execution of an application, the external electronic devicemay identify whether the executed application supports the rotation input.

300 300 For example, a specified application executed in the external electronic devicemay support a function with respect to the rotation input. Based on execution of the specified application, the external electronic devicemay set a function of the specified application to be performed through the rotation input.

300 330 2910 2910 2920 2930 2920 2930 200 2901 200 2930 2920 2911 2902 200 2930 2920 2912 For example, the specified application may be a music playback application. The external electronic devicemay display, through a display, a screenincluding a user interface related to the specified application. The screenmay include a regionfor displaying a music listto be played. In the region, an indication of the music listmay be changed based on the rotation input of the smart ring device. As an example, based on a rotation input along a directionidentified by the smart ring device, the indication of the music listin the regionmay be moved along a direction. As an example, based on a rotation input along a directionidentified by the smart ring device, the indication of the music listin the regionmay be moved along a direction.

300 2930 2920 200 300 2920 2930 2920 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the external electronic devicemay represent that an indication of content (i.e., the music list) displayed in the regionmay be changed by the rotation input of the smart ring device. As an example, the external electronic devicemay change a color of the regionand/or visual objects (e.g., icons for representing the music list) included in the region.

300 200 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, based on the termination of the specified application, the external electronic devicemay not receive information on the rotation input from the smart ring device.

30 FIG. illustrates an operation of a smart ring device and external electronic devices according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

30 FIG. 200 3000 200 3001 3002 Referring to, a smart ring devicemay establish a connection with a electronic device. The smart ring devicemay not be directly connected to an external electronic deviceand an external electronic device.

200 3001 3002 3000 3000 200 3001 3002 The smart ring devicemay be connected to the external electronic deviceand the external electronic devicethrough the electronic device. The electronic devicemay support a connection between the smart ring deviceand one or more external electronic devices (e.g., the external electronic deviceand the external electronic device).

3000 200 3000 3001 3002 200 3000 200 3000 200 3001 3002 The electronic devicemay receive information on a rotation input from the smart ring device. The electronic devicemay display a screen for determining an external electronic device (e.g., the external electronic deviceor the external electronic device) to transmit the information on the rotation input received from the smart ring device. The electronic devicemay receive, from a user, an input for determining the external electronic device to transmit the information on the rotation input received from the smart ring device. The electronic devicemay transmit the information on the rotation input received from the smart ring deviceto the external electronic device (e.g., the external electronic deviceor the external electronic device) determined based on the received input.

3001 3002 200 200 3001 200 3001 3000 3000 3001 3001 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, one of the external electronic deviceand the external electronic devicemay be tagged with the smart ring device. For example, in a case that the smart ring deviceis tagged with the external electronic device, the smart ring devicemay transmit information on the external electronic deviceto the electronic device. The electronic devicemay transmit the information on the rotation input to the external electronic devicebased on the information on the external electronic device.

200 3001 200 3002 200 200 3001 3002 200 3000 3001 3002 200 3000 3002 After the smart ring deviceis tagged with the external electronic device, the smart ring devicemay be tagged with the external electronic device. The smart ring devicemay change a target device with respect to the information on the rotation input. The smart ring devicemay change the target device with respect to the information on the rotation input from the external electronic deviceto the external electronic device. The smart ring devicemay transmit, to the electronic device, information representing that the target device for the information on the rotation input has been changed from the external electronic deviceto the external electronic device. Based on the information received from the smart ring device, the electronic devicemay transmit the information on the rotation input to the external electronic device.

31 FIG. illustrates an operation of a smart ring device and external electronic devices according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

31 FIG. 27 FIG. 3101 200 300 3101 2711 Referring to, in operation, a smart ring devicemay establish a connection with an external electronic device. For example, the operationmay correspond to the operationof.

3102 200 300 200 233 200 300 300 In operation, the smart ring deviceand the external electronic devicemay operate in an operation mode for identifying information on a user. The smart ring devicemay identify (or obtain) the information (e.g., health information) on the user using a PPG sensor. The smart ring devicemay transmit the information on the user to the external electronic device. The external electronic devicemay provide a service based on the information on the user.

3103 200 300 200 300 300 200 200 300 200 103 In operation, at least one of the smart ring deviceand the external electronic devicemay identify a connection event for a rotation input. For example, the connection event for the rotation input may include an event in which the smart ring deviceand the external electronic deviceare in contact with each other. For example, the connection event for the rotation input may include an event in which a specified application is executed (or activated). In response to the execution (or the activation) of the specified application, the external electronic devicemay transmit a message for a connection request to the smart ring device. The smart ring devicemay transmit a message for a connection response to the external electronic device. The smart ring deviceand the external electronic devicemay establish a connection for the rotation input based on the message for the connection response.

200 300 200 The smart ring devicemay activate a function for identifying the rotation input, based on the connection event for the rotation input. The external electronic devicemay activate a function for receiving information on the rotation input from the smart ring device, based on the connection event for the rotation input.

3104 200 300 3104 2712 27 FIG. In operation, the smart ring devicemay request, from the external electronic device, the connection for the rotation input. The operationmay correspond to the operationof.

3105 300 200 3105 2713 27 FIG. In operation, the external electronic devicemay transmit, to the smart ring device, a message to acknowledge the connection for the rotation input. The operationmay correspond to the operationof.

3106 300 300 200 3106 2714 27 FIG. In operation, the external electronic devicemay perform a function of the external electronic deviceaccording to a rotation input of the smart ring device. The operationmay correspond to the operationof.

3101 3106 200 300 200 300 200 300 300 300 200 300 200 Referring to the operationto the operation, even when the smart ring deviceand the external electronic deviceare connected, the smart ring devicemay not transmit, to the external electronic device, the information on the rotation input. For example, the smart ring devicemay transmit, to the external electronic device, the information on the rotation input based on the contact with the external electronic device. For example, based on the execution of the specified application in the external electronic device, the smart ring devicemay transmit, to the external electronic device, the information on the rotation input. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, in a case that the specified application is not executed, a specified operation may be performed in a system UI based on the rotation input of the smart ring device. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, in a case that a module for processing (or receiving) the rotation input exists in an application or a function, the rotation input may be processed through the module as the application or the function is activated.

32 FIG. illustrates an operation of a plurality of smart ring devices and an external electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

32 FIG. 3231 3232 3240 Referring to, a user may wear the plurality of smart ring devices and the external electronic device. For example, the user may wear a first smart ring device, a second smart ring device, and an external electronic device.

3231 3210 3232 3220 3240 3210 The first smart ring devicemay be worn on a finger of a left handof the user. The second smart ring devicemay be worn on a finger of a right handof the user. The external electronic devicemay be worn on a wrist of the left handof the user.

3240 3240 3231 3232 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the external electronic devicemay provide data on a smart ring device based on mutual directionality between the external electronic deviceand the smart ring device (e.g., the first smart ring deviceand the second smart ring device).

3240 3240 3231 3232 3240 3240 3240 3231 3232 3231 3240 3232 3240 For example, the external electronic devicemay identify a device for performing a function of the external electronic deviceas one of the first smart ring deviceand the second smart ring device. The external electronic devicemay include a rotatable wheel key (or bezel). Based on rotation with respect to the wheel key, the external electronic devicemay set the device for performing the function of the external electronic deviceas one of the first smart ring deviceand the second smart ring device. Based on the wheel key rotating counterclockwise, the first smart ring devicemay be selected as the device for performing the function of the external electronic device. Based on the wheel key rotating clockwise, the second smart ring devicemay be selected as the device for performing the function of the external electronic device.

3231 3232 3240 A rotation input identified by one of the first smart ring deviceand the second smart ring deviceset based on the rotation with respect to the wheel key may be mapped to at least one function of the external electronic device.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a smart ring device may comprise a housing comprising an external housing portion and an inner housing portion which is at least partially transparent, a light emitter configured to emit light through the inner housing portion, a first light receiver configured to receive the light reflected from at least a part of a user's finger, a second light receiver configured to receive the light reflected from the at least a part of the user's finger, and a processor. The processor may be configured to determine a wearing direction of the smart ring device using a first signal identified by the first light receiver and a second signal identified by the second light receiver.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the smart ring device may comprise a third light receiver and a fourth light receiver configured to receive the light reflected from the at least a part of the user's finger. The processor may be configured to determine the wearing direction of the smart ring device using the first signal, the second signal, a third signal, and a fourth signal identified by the first light receiver, the second light receiver, the third light receiver, and the fourth light receiver, respectively.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the first light receiver and the second light receiver may be configured as one sensor. The first light receiver may comprise at least one photodiode related to the sensor. The second light receiver may comprise at least one other photodiode related to the sensor.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the first signal may comprise a first value corresponding to intensity of the light reflected from the at least a part of the user's finger. The second signal may comprise a second value corresponding to intensity of the light reflected from the at least a part of the user's finger. The processor may be configured to determine the wearing direction of the smart ring device based on the first value and the second value.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the processor may be configured to determine the wearing direction of the smart ring device based on an amount of change in the first value and an amount of change in the second value.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the processor may be configured to obtain at least one biometric information using the light emitter, the first light receiver, and the second light receiver.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the processor may be configured to determine the wearing direction of the smart ring device based on performing a first light emission using the light emitter. The processor may be configured to obtain the at least one biometric information based on performing a second light emission distinct from the first light emission using the light emitter. The second light emission may be different from the first light emission in at least one of light intensity, emission time, or an emission period.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the processor may be configured to determine, using the first light receiver or the second light receiver, light intensity of an environment. The processor may be configured to, based on the light intensity of the environment, adjust at least one of the intensity of the light emitted through the light emitter, the emission time, or the emission period to determine the wearing direction of the smart ring device.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the processor may be configured to adjust a threshold value for determining the wearing direction of the smart ring device based on the light intensity of the environment.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the smart ring device may comprise an acceleration sensor. The processor may be configured to detect, using the acceleration sensor, a movement of the smart ring device. The processor may be configured to determine the wearing direction of the smart ring device based on the movement of the smart ring device.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the processor may be configured to determine a direction of a user input based on the determined wearing direction.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the processor may be configured to identify, using the acceleration sensor, a posture of the smart ring device. The processor may be configured to, based at least in part on a determination that the posture of the smart ring device corresponds to a first posture, perform up or down scrolling according to the user input. The processor may be further configured to, based at least in part on a determination that the posture of the smart ring device corresponds to a second posture, perform left or right scrolling according to the user input.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the processor may be configured to transmit information corresponding to the wearing direction to an external electronic device for representing at least one indication indicative of the wearing direction via a display of the external electronic device operatively connected with the smart ring device.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the smart ring device may comprise a first antenna configured to emit a signal in a first direction, and a second antenna configured to emit the signal in a second direction different from the first direction. The processor may be configured to transmit the signal using the first antenna or the second antenna based on the wearing direction of the smart ring device.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the smart ring device may comprise a structure rotatable on the external housing portion based on a center of a hole of the smart ring device, and a rotation detection sensor to identify a direction of rotation of the structure.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the processor may be configured to identify that the smart ring device is contacted on a housing of an external electronic device. The processor may be configured to, based on identifying that the smart ring device is contacted on the housing of the external electronic device, establish a connection with the external electronic device.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the processor may be configured to, while the smart ring device is contacted on the housing of the external electronic device, based on rotation of the structure, identify a rotation input. The processor may be configured to, based on the rotation input, perform a function set according to the wearing direction of the smart ring device.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the smart ring device may comprise a touch sensor for identifying contact of the user's body on the external housing portion. The processor may be configured to, based on identifying one of a first touch input maintained along a first direction on the external housing portion and a second touch input maintained along a second direction opposite to the first direction on the external housing portion, identify a rotation input.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a method performed by a smart ring device may comprise emitting, using a light emitter included in the smart ring device, light. The method may comprise determining a wearing direction of the smart ring device using a first signal identified by a first light receiver comprised in the smart ring device based on the light reflected from at least a part of a user's finger and a second signal identified by a second light receiver comprised in the smart ring device based on the light reflected from the at least a part of the user's finger.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the first signal may comprise a first value corresponding to intensity of the light reflected from the at least a part of the user's finger. The second signal may comprise a second value corresponding to intensity of the light reflected from the at least a part of the user's finger. The method may comprise determining the wearing direction of the smart ring device based on the first value and the second value.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the method may comprise determining the wearing direction of the smart ring device based on an amount of change in the first value and an amount of change in the second value.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the method may comprise obtaining at least one biometric information using the light emitter, the first light receiver, and the second light receiver.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a non-transitory computer readable storage medium may store one or more programs. The one or more programs may comprise instructions, which, when executed by a processor of a smart ring device with a light emitter, a first light receiver, and a second light receiver, cause the smart ring device to emit, using the light emitter, light. The one or more programs may comprise instructions, which, when executed by the processor, cause the smart ring device to determine a wearing direction of the smart ring device using a first signal identified by the first light receiver based on the light reflected from at least a part of a user's finger and a second signal identified by the second light receiver based on the light reflected from the at least a part of the user's finger.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a smart ring device may comprise a housing comprising an external housing portion and an inner housing portion which is at least partially transparent, a light emitter configured to emit light through the inner housing portion, a first light receiver configured to receive the light reflected from at least a part of a user's finger, a second light receiver configured to receive the light reflected from the at least a part of the user's finger, at least one processor including processing circuitry, and memory comprising one or more storage media storing instructions. The instructions, when executed by the at least one processor individually or collectively, may cause the smart ring device to determine a wearing direction of the smart ring device using a first signal identified by the first light receiver and a second signal identified by the second light receiver.

For example, the smart ring device may comprise a third light receiver and a fourth light receiver configured to receive the light reflected from the at least a part of the user's finger. The instructions, when executed by the at least one processor individually or collectively, may cause the smart ring device to determine the wearing direction of the smart ring device using the first signal, the second signal, a third signal, and a fourth signal identified by the first light receiver, the second light receiver, the third light receiver, and the fourth light receiver, respectively.

For example, the first light receiver and the second light receiver may be configured as one sensor. The first light receiver may comprise at least one photodiode related to the sensor. The second light receiver may comprise at least one other photodiode related to the sensor.

For example, the first signal may comprise a first value corresponding to intensity of the light reflected from the at least a part of the user's finger. The second signal may comprise a second value corresponding to intensity of the light reflected from the at least a part of the user's finger. The instructions, when executed by the at least one processor individually or collectively, may cause the smart ring device to determine the wearing direction of the smart ring device based on the first value and the second value.

For example, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor individually or collectively, may cause the smart ring device to determine the wearing direction of the smart ring device based on an amount of change in the first value and an amount of change in the second value.

For example, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor individually or collectively, may cause the smart ring device to obtain at least one biometric information using the light emitter, the first light receiver, and the second light receiver.

For example, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor individually or collectively, may cause the smart ring device to determine the wearing direction of the smart ring device based on performing a first light emission using the light emitter. The instructions, when executed by the at least one processor individually or collectively, may cause the smart ring device to obtain the at least one biometric information based on performing a second light emission distinct from the first light emission using the light emitter. The second light emission may be different from the first light emission in at least one of light intensity, emission time, or an emission period.

For example, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor individually or collectively, may cause the smart ring device to determine, using the first light receiver or the second light receiver, light intensity of an environment. The instructions, when executed by the at least one processor individually or collectively, may cause the smart ring device to, based on the light intensity of the environment, adjust at least one of the intensity of the light emitted through the light emitter, the emission time, or the emission period to determine the wearing direction of the smart ring device.

For example, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor individually or collectively, may cause the smart ring device to adjust a threshold value for determining the wearing direction of the smart ring device based on the light intensity of the environment.

For example, the smart ring device may comprise an acceleration sensor. The instructions, when executed by the at least one processor individually or collectively, may cause the smart ring device to detect, using the acceleration sensor, a movement of the smart ring device. The instructions, when executed by the at least one processor individually or collectively, may cause the smart ring device to determine the wearing direction of the smart ring device based on the movement of the smart ring device.

For example, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor individually or collectively, may cause the smart ring device to determine a direction of a user input based on the determined wearing direction.

For example, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor individually or collectively, may cause the smart ring device to identify, using the acceleration sensor, a posture of the smart ring device. The instructions, when executed by the at least one processor individually or collectively, may cause the smart ring device to, based at least in part on a determination that the posture of the smart ring device corresponds to a first posture, perform up or down scrolling according to the user input. The instructions, when executed by the at least one processor individually or collectively, may cause the smart ring device to, based at least in part on a determination that the posture of the smart ring device corresponds to a second posture, perform left or right scrolling according to the user input.

For example, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor individually or collectively, may cause the smart ring device to transmit information corresponding to the wearing direction to an external electronic device for representing at least one indication indicative of the wearing direction via a display of the external electronic device operatively connected with the smart ring device.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a method performed by a smart ring device may comprise emitting, using a light emitter included in the smart ring device, light. The method may comprise determining a wearing direction of the smart ring device using a first signal identified by a first light receiver comprised in the smart ring device based on the light reflected from at least a part of a user's finger and a second signal identified by a second light receiver comprised in the smart ring device based on the light reflected from the at least a part of the user's finger.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a non-transitory computer readable storage medium may store one or more programs. The one or more programs may comprise instructions, which, when executed by a processor of a smart ring device with a light emitter, a first light receiver, and a second light receiver, cause the smart ring device to emit, using the light emitter, light. The one or more programs may comprise instructions, which, when executed by the processor, cause the smart ring device to determine a wearing direction of the smart ring device using a first signal identified by the first light receiver based on the light reflected from at least a part of a user's finger and a second signal identified by the second light receiver based on the light reflected from the at least a part of the user's finger.

The electronic device according to various embodiments may be one of various types of electronic devices. The electronic devices may include, for example, a portable communication device (e.g., a smartphone), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, or a home appliance. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the electronic devices are not limited to those described above.

It should be appreciated that various embodiments of the disclosure and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technological features set forth herein to particular embodiments and include various changes, equivalents, or replacements for a corresponding embodiment. As used herein, each of such phrases as “A or B,” “at least one of A and B,” “at least one of A or B,” “A, B, or C,” “at least one of A, B, and C,” and “at least one of A, B, or C,” may include any one of or all possible combinations of the items enumerated together in a corresponding one of the phrases. As used herein, such terms as “1st” and “2nd,” or “first” and “second” may be used to simply distinguish a corresponding component from another, and does not limit the components in other aspect (e.g., importance or order). It is to be understood that if an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to, with or without the term “operatively” or “communicatively”, as “coupled with,” or “connected with” another element (e.g., a second element), it means that the element may be coupled with the other element directly (e.g., wiredly), wirelessly, or via a third element.

As used in connection with various embodiments of the disclosure, the term “module” may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may interchangeably be used with other terms, for example, “logic,” “logic block,” “part,” or “circuitry”. A module may be a single integral component, or a minimum unit or part thereof, adapted to perform one or more functions. For example, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. the module may be implemented in a form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

140 136 138 101 120 101 Various embodiments as set forth herein may be implemented as software (e.g., the program) including one or more instructions that are stored in a storage medium (e.g., internal memoryor external memory) that is readable by a machine (e.g., the electronic device). For example, a processor (e.g., the processor) of the machine (e.g., the electronic device) may invoke at least one of the one or more instructions stored in the storage medium, and execute it, with or without using one or more other components under the control of the processor. This allows the machine to be operated to perform at least one function according to the at least one instruction invoked. The one or more instructions may include a code generated by a compiler or a code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Wherein, the term “non-transitory” simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device, and does not include a signal (e.g., an electromagnetic wave), but this term does not differentiate between a case in which data is semi-permanently stored in the storage medium and a case in which the data is temporarily stored in the storage medium.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a method according to various embodiments of the disclosure may be included and provided in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or be distributed (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) online via an application store (e.g., PlayStore™), or between two user devices (e.g., smart phones) directly. If distributed online, at least part of the computer program product may be temporarily generated or at least temporarily stored in the machine-readable storage medium, such as memory of the manufacturer's server, a server of the application store, or a relay server.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include a single entity or multiple entities, and some of the multiple entities may be separately disposed in different components. According to various embodiments of the disclosure, one or more of the above-described components may be omitted, or one or more other components may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g., modules or programs) may be integrated into a single component. In such a case, according to various embodiments of the disclosure, the integrated component may still perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components in the same or similar manner as they are performed by a corresponding one of the plurality of components before the integration. According to various embodiments of the disclosure, operations performed by the module, the program, or another component may be carried out sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order or omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

It will be appreciated that various embodiments of the disclosure according to the claims and description in the specification can be realized in the form of hardware, software or a combination of hardware and software.

Any such software may be stored in non-transitory computer readable storage media. The non-transitory computer readable storage media store one or more computer programs (software modules), the one or more computer programs include computer-executable instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of an electronic device, cause the electronic device to perform a method of the disclosure.

Any such software may be stored in the form of volatile or non-volatile storage, such as, for example, a storage device like read only memory (ROM), whether erasable or rewritable or not, or in the form of memory, such as, for example, random access memory (RAM), memory chips, device or integrated circuits or on an optically or magnetically readable medium, such as, for example, a compact disk (CD), digital versatile disc (DVD), magnetic disk or magnetic tape or the like. It will be appreciated that the storage devices and storage media are various embodiments of non-transitory machine-readable storage that are suitable for storing a computer program or computer programs comprising instructions that, when executed, implement various embodiments of the disclosure. Accordingly, various embodiments provide a program comprising code for implementing apparatus or a method of any one of the claims of this specification and a non-transitory machine-readable storage storing such a program.

While the disclosure has been shown and described with reference to various embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.